Use of tapinarof for the treatment of atopic dermatitis

ABSTRACT

Topical compositions and methods for using topical compositions comprising tapinarof to treat mild to moderate atopic dermatitis are described herein. Also described are clinical endpoints for treatment of subjects diagnosed with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, wherein about 5% to about 35% of body surface area was affected, and Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score was greater than or equal to 3.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods for treating atopic dermatitis in a subject comprising topically administering once a day to the subject in need thereof a topical composition containing about 0.5% to about 1.0% tapinarof, wherein one or more symptom of psoriasis is improved. In some embodiments, the atopic dermatitis is mild to moderate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 demonstrates the proportion of patients who achieved an IGA score of clear or almost clear (0 or 1) and a minimum 2-grade improvement from baseline to each study visit using non-responder imputation.

FIG. 2 shows the clinical feature of two patients with atopic dermatitis who received tapinarof (1% QD).

FIG. 3 demonstrates that the Tapinarof 1% QD concentration demonstrated statistical significance (*) over the vehicle at α=0.05 level after two weeks of treatment.

FIG. 4 demonstrates that a difference can be seen after 2 weeks in the tapinarof groups compared to the vehicle groups.

FIG. 5a presents subject impression of change in severity of AD symptoms at Week 12.

FIG. 5b presents subject impression of change in severity of pruritus symptoms at Week 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects now will be described more fully hereinafter. Such aspects may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art.

Where a range of values is provided, it is intended that each intervening value between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the disclosure. For example, if a range of 1 mg to 8 μmg is stated, it is intended that 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg, 5 mg, 6 mg, and 7 mg are also explicitly disclosed, as well as the range of values greater than or equal to 1 mg and the range of values less than or equal to 8 mg.

All percentages, parts and ratios are based upon the total weight of the topical compositions and all measurements made are at about 25 ° C., unless otherwise specified.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “subject” includes a single subject as well as two or more subjects; reference to an “excipient” includes a single excipient as well as two or more of the same or different excipients, and the like.

The word “about” when immediately preceding a numerical value means a range of plus or minus 10% of that value, e.g, “about 50” means 45 to 55, “about 25,000” means 22,500 to 27,500, etc, unless the context of the disclosure indicates otherwise, or is inconsistent with such an interpretation. For example, in a list of numerical values such as “about 49, about 50, about 55, “about 50” means a range extending to less than half the interval(s) between the preceding and subsequent values, e.g, more than 49.5 to less than 52.5. Furthermore, the phrases “less than about” a value or “greater than about” a value should be understood in view of the definition of the term “about” provided herein.

The terms “administer,” “administering” or “administration” as used herein refer to either directly administering a compound (also referred to as an agent of interest) or pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound (agent of interest) or a topical composition to a subject.

The term “carrier” as used herein encompasses carriers, excipients, and diluents, meaning a material, composition or vehicle, such as a liquid or solid filler, diluent, excipient, solvent or encapsulating material involved in carrying or transporting a pharmaceutical, cosmetic or other agent across a tissue layer such as the stratum corneum or stratum spinosum.

The transitional term “comprising,” which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. By contrast, the transitional phrase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. The transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps “and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s)” of the claimed invention. In embodiments or claims where the term comprising is used as the transition phrase, such embodiments can also be envisioned with replacement of the term “comprising” with the terms “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.”

The term “disorder” is used in this disclosure to mean, and is used interchangeably with, the terms disease, condition, or illness, unless otherwise indicated.

The terms “effective amount” and “therapeutically effective amount” are used interchangeably in this disclosure and refer to an amount of a compound that, when administered to a subject, is capable of reducing a symptom of a disorder in a subject or enhance the texture, appearance, color, sensation, or hydration of the intended tissue treatment area. The actual amount which comprises the “effective amount” or “therapeutically effective amount” will vary depending on a number of conditions including, but not limited to, the severity of the disorder, the size and health of the patient, and the route of administration. A skilled medical practitioner can readily determine the appropriate amount using methods known in the medical arts.

The phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable” or “cosmetically acceptable” is employed herein to refer to those agents of interest/compounds, salts, compositions, dosage forms, etc, which are—within the scope of sound medical judgment—suitable for use in contact with the tissues of human beings and/or other mammals without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, or other problem or complication, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. In some aspects, pharmaceutically acceptable means approved by a regulatory agency of the federal or a state government, or listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia or other generally recognized pharmacopeia for use in mammals (e.g, animals), and more particularly, in humans.

The term “salts” as used herein embraces pharmaceutically acceptable salts commonly used to form alkali metal salts of free acids and to form addition salts of free bases. The nature of the salt is not critical, provided that it is pharmaceutically acceptable. The term “salts” also includes solvates of addition salts, such as hydrates, as well as polymorphs of addition salts. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts can be prepared from an inorganic acid or from an organic acid. Non-limiting examples of such inorganic acids are hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, nitric, carbonic, sulfuric, and phosphoric acid. Appropriate organic acids can be selected from aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic, arylaliphatic, and heterocyclyl containing carboxylic acids and sulfonic acids, for example formic, acetic, propionic, succinic, glycolic, gluconic, lactic, malic, tartaric, citric, ascorbic, glucuronic, maleic, fumaric, pyruvic, aspartic, glutamic, benzoic, anthranilic, mesylic, stearic, salicylic, p-hydroxybenzoic, phenylacetic, mandelic, embonic (pamoic), methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, pantothenic, toluenesulfonic, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic, sulfanilic, cyclohexylaminosulfonic, algenic, 3-hydroxybutyric, galactaric and galacturonic acid.

The term “patient” and “subject” are interchangeable and may be taken to mean any human which may be treated with compounds of the present invention. In some embodiments, the patient or subject is an adult, adolescent, child or infant. In some embodiments, the patient or subject is an adolescent (i.e. 12-17 years old). In some embodiments, the patient or subject is younger than 2 years old. In some embodiments, the patient or subject is 18 years old or older. In some embodiments, the patient or subject is between the age of 18 and 75.

The term “treating” is used herein, for instance, in reference to methods of treating a skin disorder or a systemic condition, and generally includes the administration of a compound or composition which reduces the frequency of, or delays the onset of, symptoms of a medical condition or enhance the texture, appearance, color, sensation, or hydration of the intended tissue treatment area of the tissue surface in a subject relative to a subject not receiving the compound or composition. This can include reversing, reducing, or arresting the symptoms, clinical signs, and underlying pathology of a condition in a manner to improve or stabilize a subject's condition.

By hereby reserving the right to proviso out or exclude any individual members of any such group, including any sub-ranges or combinations of sub-ranges within the group, that can be claimed according to a range or in any similar manner, less than the full measure of this disclosure can be claimed for any reason. Further, by hereby reserving the right to proviso out or exclude any individual substituents, analogs, compounds, ligands, structures, or groups thereof, or any members of a claimed group, less than the full measure of this disclosure can be claimed for any reason. Throughout this disclosure, various patents, patent applications and publications are referenced. The disclosures of these patents, patent applications and publications in their entireties are incorporated into this disclosure by reference in order to more fully describe the state of the art as known to those skilled therein as of the date of this disclosure. This disclosure will govern in the instance that there is any inconsistency between the patents, patent applications and publications cited and this disclosure.

For convenience, certain terms employed in the specification, examples and claims are collected here. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used in this disclosure have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) (also called atopic eczema) is an intensely pruritic, chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disease. The characteristic signs and symptoms of AD include sensations of pruritus and burning, xerosis, erythematous papules and plaques, exudation, crusting, and lichenification. Quality of life is affected through sleep deprivation due to the intense and constant itching, as well as the stigma associated with having a visible skin disease. Up to 30% of children may be affected by AD at some point, and 1% to 3% of adults have AD. Currently there is no curative therapy. Stabilizing the disease and reducing the number and severity of flares are the primary goals of treatment. Topical treatments directed at skin inflammation are a key factor in disease management, as is symptomatic relief of itching. Although multiple topical treatment options are available, there still remains a need for a topical treatment that combines a high level of efficacy with an acceptable safety profile that permits application to a large body surface area (BSA) without restrictions on duration of treatment.

The cause of AD is multifactoral, with genetic and environmental factors, deficient skin barrier function, and impaired immune response. The inflammatory component is thought to be mediated primarily by the Th2 type T-cell activation pathway, although in chronic AD skin lesions, a shift towards a Th1-driven pathway has been described. Tapinarof inhibits the secretion of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (eg, Th2 cytokines and leukotriene B4), inhibits molecules involved in the adhesion and recruitment of cells involved in the pathogenesis of AD, and activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) anti-inflammatory pathways.

Tapinarof is a fully synthetic hydroxylated stilbene and new molecular entity that is a novel anti-inflammatory agent for the topical treatment of AD and plaque psoriasis.

Clinical studies of Tapinarof cream with up to 12 weeks of treatment were conducted using a different formulation. These studies suggested evidence of efficacy in treatment of AD and psoriasis, and also provide a preliminary understanding of potential adverse events (AEs) and the overall safety profile of the active compound.

It was surprisingly and unexpectedly found that the 1% tapinarof cream formulation applied topically once daily was just as effective as the 1% twice daily. This is surprising because both the 0.5% and 1% concentrations demonstrated an acceptable safety profile when applied once or twice daily but the 1% concentration was shown to be more effective than the 0.5% concentration, accordingly, one would have expected that a twice daily application would have been even more effective than a once daily application. A faster onset of action was observed with 1% dosing groups compared with the 0.5% dosing groups; fast onset of action is an important consideration for topical medications. A once daily application regimen may reduce systemic exposure as the atopic dermatitis is treated, thereby providing a better efficacy and safety profile for a drug intended for long term use to treat a chronic condition. In addition, once daily application may improve treatment adherence compared to more frequent dosing administrations.

COMPOSITIONS

Embodiments of the invention are directed to topical compositions comprising 3,5-Dihydroxy-4-isopropyl-trans-stilbene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Throughout this disclosure 3,5-Dihydroxy-4-isopropyl-trans-stilbene is referred to as tapinarof, and is also known as (E)-2-isopropyl-5-styrylbenzene-1,3 diol, with the empirical formula C₁₇H₁₈O₂, a molecular weight of 254.32, and the following structure:

In embodiments, the topical composition is an emulsion. In embodiments, the topical composition is an oil-in-water emulsion. In an embodiment, the topical composition of tapinarof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprises an oil phase, and a water phase, creating an emulsion, and wherein the emulsion composition is homogenous. In an embodiment, tapinarof, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is solubilized in the oil phase of the emulsion composition. In embodiments, the oil phase is comprised of medium chain triglycerides, propylene glycol, non-ionic emulsifying wax, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, polyoxyl stearyl ether-2, polysorbate 80, polyoxyl stearyl ether-20, benzoic acid, and butylated hydroxytoluene. In embodiments, the water phase is comprised of sodium citrate, edetate disodium, citric acid monohydrate, and water.

In certain embodiments described herein, the topical composition comprises about 0.50% to about 1.0% tapinarof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In certain embodiments described herein, the topical composition comprises about 0.50% tapinarof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In certain embodiments described herein, the topical composition comprises about 1.0% tapinarof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In certain embodiments described herein, the topical composition comprises about 50.00% to about 75.00% water, about 0.05% to about 0.50% sodium citrate, about 0.01% to about 2.00% citric acid, about 0.01% to about 1.00% disodium EDTA, about 5.00% to about 25.00% propylene glycol, about 0.10% to about 5.00% diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, about 0.01% to about 1.00% butylated hydroxytoluene, about 0.01% to about 1.00% benzoic acid, about 5.00% to about 10.00% emulsifying wax, about 5.00% to about 25.00% medium chain triglycerides (MCT), about 0.50% to about 5.00% polysorbate 80, about 0.50% to about 5.00% steareth 2, and about 0.50% to about 5.00% steareth 20.

In certain embodiments, the topical composition comprises 0.50% tapinarof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, 65.18% water, 0.19% sodium citrate, 0.08% citric acid, 0.10% disodium EDTA, 10.00% propylene glycol, 2.00% diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, 0.10% butylated hydroxytoluene, 0.25% benzoic acid, 7.20% emulsifying wax, 10.00% medium chain triglycerides (MCT), 1.50% polysorbate 80, 1.80% steareth 2, and 1.10% steareth 20.

In certain embodiments, the topical composition comprises 1.00% tapinarof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, 64.68% water, 0.19% sodium citrate, 0.08% citric acid, 0.10% disodium EDTA, 10.00% propylene glycol, 2.00% diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, 0.10% butylated hydroxytoluene, 0.25% benzoic acid, 7.20% emulsifying wax, 10.00% medium chain triglycerides (MCT), 1.50% polysorbate 80, 1.80% steareth 2, and 1.10% steareth 20. In another embodiment, the emulsifying wax is a proprietary blend known as “Polawax NF” (Registered Trademark) (Croda Inc, Edison, N.J., USA).

In embodiments, the topical composition may include pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable excipients, additives or other active agents as described herein.

In embodiments, the topical compositions may further include one or more pharmaceutical and/or cosmetically acceptable excipients selected from the group consisting of diluents, fillers, disintegrants, binders, lubricants, surfactants, hydrophobic vehicles, water soluble vehicles, emulsifiers, buffers, humectants, moisturizers, solubilizers, preservatives, colorants, plastizers, carriers, excipients, or combinations thereof. The person of ordinary skill in the art can refer to various pharmacologic references such as, for example, Modern Pharmaceutics, Banker & Rhodes, Marcel Dekker, Inc. (1979) and Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmaceutical Basis of Therapeutics, 6th Edition, MacMillan Publishing Co, New York (1980) for guidance in determining the amount of such components in the topical compositions and formulations of embodiments.

In embodiments, the topical compositions may include emollient or lubricating vehicles that help hydrate the skin can also be used. Examples of suitable bases or vehicles for preparing hydrating compositions for use with a subject skin are petrolatum, petrolatum plus volatile silicones, lanolin, cold cream (USP), and hydrophilic ointment (USP).

In embodiments, the topical compositions may include a second active agent. In embodiments, the second active agent is selected from dupilumab; crisaborole; calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus; antibiotics; hydrocortisone; corticosteriods, such as prednisone; antihistamines, such as cetirizine, fexofenadine, diphenhydramine; and combinations thereof.

In embodiments, the topical compositions may be formulated in any formulation suitable for topical administration, including, but not limited to, a solution, fluid, emulsion, suspension, solid, semi-solid, jelly, paste, gel, hydrogel, ointment, lotion, emulsion, cream, foam, mousse, liquid, spray, suspension, dispersion, powder, aerosol, or transdermal patch. Formulations described in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2016/0338973, 2018/0064656, and 2019/0144367 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In embodiments, the topical compositions described herein may be formulated as a liquid. Liquid dosage forms for topical administration may include diluents such as, for example, alcohols, glycols, oils, water, and the like. Such topical compositions may also include wetting agents or emulsifiers. In some embodiments, the topical compositions of embodiments may be formulated as oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion. A cream can be a water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion in which an aqueous phase is dispersed in an oil phase, or an oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion in which an oil is dispersed within an aqueous base. An ointment generally refers to a more viscous oil-in-water cream. Traditional ointment bases (i.e. carrier) include hydrocarbons (petrolatum, beeswax, etc.) vegetable oils, fatty alcohols (cholesterol, lanoilin, wool alcohol, stearyl alcohol, etc.) or silicones. Insoluble solids such as starch, zinc oxide, calcium carbonate, or talc can also be used in ointments and creams. Gel forms of the topical compositions described above can be formed by the entrapment of large amounts of aqueous or aqueous-alcoholic liquids in a network of polymers or of colloidal solid particles. Such polymers or colloids (gelling or thickening agents) are typically present at concentrations of less than 10% w/w and include carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, sodium alginate, alginic acid, pectin, tragacanth, carrageen, agar, clays, aluminum silicate, carbomers, and the like.

In embodiments, the topical compositions described herein may be formulated as aerosols, in which the topical composition is dissolved in a propellant such as dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide, or other suitable gas, and a co-solvent such ethanol, acetone, hexadecyl alcohol, and the like and combinations thereof.

In embodiments, the topical compositions can be in the form of hydrogels. Hydrogels are typically prepared by cross-linking various monomers and/or polymers to provide a three-dimensional polymer network. Non-limiting examples of polymers include, polyoxyethylene-polypropylene block copolymers, ionic poly saccharides, such as chitosan or sodium alginate, cellulose, and biodegradable polymers, such as poly-lactides (PLA) and poly-glycolides (PGA), butylene succinate (PBS), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), polycaprolactone acid lactone (PCL), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), glycolic amyl (PHV), PHB and PHV copolymer (PHBV), and poly lactic acid (PLA)-polyethylene glycol (PEG) copolymers (PLEG).

In embodiments, the topical compositions disclosed herein can be in the form of transdermal patches. The transdermal patches can be in any conventional form such as, for example, a strip, a gauze, a film, and the like. Patch material may be nonwoven or woven (e.g., gauze dressing). Layers may also be laminated during processing. It may be nonocclusive or occlusive, but the latter is preferred for backing layers. The patch is preferably hermetically sealed for storage (e.g., foil packaging). The patch can be held onto the skin and components of the patch can be held together using various adhesives. For example, the transdermal patch can be in the form of a band-aid type device, or it may be packaged in a small metal or plastic “cup”, which is strapped onto the appropriate site using an adhesive, tape, or an outer fabric or leather strap, similar to that worn as part of a watch. The entire patch may be disposable or may be refillable.

In embodiments, the topical compositions disclosed herein can be coated on bandages, mixed with bioadhesives, or included in dressings.

A wide variety of methods may be used for preparing the formulations described herein. Broadly speaking, the formulations may be prepared by combining together the components of the formulation, as described herein, at a temperature and for a time sufficient to provide a pharmaceutically acceptable composition. For example, in some embodiments, the topical compositions components may be dissolved, suspended, dispersed or otherwise mixed in a selected carrier or vehicle, at an effective concentration such that the condition to be treated is relieved or ameliorated.

METHODS OF USING TOPICAL COMPOSITIONS TO TREAT ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of treating atopic dermatitis in a subject comprising topically administering to the subject in need thereof a topical composition containing tapinarof as described herein, wherein one or more symptom of atopic dermatitis is improved. In some embodiments, the atopic dermatitis is mild to moderate.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of treating atopic dermatitis in a subject comprising topically administering once a day to the subject in need thereof a topical composition containing about 0.5% tapinarof as described herein, wherein one or more symptom of atopic dermatitis is improved. In some embodiments, the atopic dermatitis is mild to moderate.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of treating atopic dermatitis in a subject comprising topically administering once a day to the subject in need thereof a topical composition containing about 1.0% tapinarof as described herein, wherein one or more symptom of atopic dermatitis is improved. In some embodiments, the atopic dermatitis is mild to moderate.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of treating atopic dermatitis in a subject comprising topically administering twice a day to the subject in need thereof a topical composition containing about 0.5% tapinarof as described herein, wherein one or more symptom of atopic dermatitis is improved. In some embodiments, the atopic dermatitis is mild to moderate.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of treating atopic dermatitis in a subject comprising topically administering twice a day to the subject in need thereof a topical composition containing about 1.0% tapinarof as described herein, wherein one or more symptom of atopic dermatitis is improved. In some embodiments, the atopic dermatitis is mild to moderate.

In embodiments described herein, the topically administering of the topical composition includes application to the skin of the body, arms, legs, back, chest, buttocks, neck, scalp, fingernails, or toenails where the atopic dermatitis lesions are present (or “affected area”). The topically administering of the topical composition includes applying enough of the composition to completely cover each lesion with a thin layer. In embodiments described herein, administration of the topical composition requires that the subject lightly rub the cream into the skin until it is no longer visible.

In embodiments described herein, the subject is an adult or an adolescent. In embodiments described herein, the adolescents is age 12 to 17. In embodiments described herein, the subject is younger than 18 years of age. In embodiments described herein, the subject is younger than 2 years of age. In embodiments described herein, the subject is 18 years of age or older. In embodiments described herein, the subject is between the ages of 18 to 75 years old.

In embodiments described herein, the subject has been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis having a percent body surface area (BSA) affected of about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 6%, about 7%, about 8%, about 9%, about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19%, about 20%, about 21%, about 22%, about 23%, about 24%, about 25%, about 26%, about 27%, about 28%, about 29%, about 30%, about 31%, about 32%, about 33%, about 34%, or about 35%. In preferred embodiments, the subject has been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis having a percent body surface area (BSA) affected of about 3% to about 20%. In embodiments described herein, body surface area (BSA) excludes the scalp, palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

In embodiments described herein, the subject has been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis having an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) of about 3, or about 4. In embodiments described herein, the subject has been diagnosed with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis having an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) of greater than or equal to 3.

In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered once daily for up to 24 weeks. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered once daily for 24 weeks. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered once daily for up to 12 weeks. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered once daily for 12 weeks. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered once daily for up to 8 weeks. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered once daily for 8 weeks. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered once daily for up to 6 weeks. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered once daily for 6 weeks. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered once daily for up to 4 weeks. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered once daily for 4 weeks. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered once daily until the atopic dermatitis is resolved.

In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered twice daily for up to 24 weeks. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered twice daily for 24 weeks. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered twice daily for up to 12 weeks. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered twice daily for 12 weeks. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered twice daily for up to 8 weeks. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered twice daily for 8 weeks. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered twice daily for up to 6 weeks. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered twice daily for 6 weeks. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered twice daily for up to 4 weeks. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered twice daily for 4 weeks. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered twice daily until the atopic dermatitis is resolved.

In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptom of atopic dermatitis is measured according to an assessment selected from Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score, daily Itch/Pruritus numeric rating scale, Eczema Area and Severity Index (EAST), total severity score, percent body surface area (BSA) affected, sleep quality, dry/rough skin, red/discolored skin, flaky skin, visual analogue scale (VAS) for sleep, visual analogue scale (VAS) for itch, and patient reported outcomes.

In embodiments described herein, the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) is used for assessing the current state/severity of a subject's AD, also referred to as vIGA-AD™ (Validated Investigator Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis), a scale developed by Eli Lilly and Company and atopic dermatitis experts, including International Eczema Council advisors and Industry experts, for use in clinical trials.. It uses a static 5-point morphological assessment of overall disease severity, as determined by the investigator, using the clinical characteristics of erythema, infiltration, papulation, oozing, and crusting as guidelines. In certain embodiments, the IGA is made daily, weekly, or monthly and without reference to previous scores. The scoring system ranges from 0 (=Clear) to 4 (=Severe). A score of 0 (Clear) has the following morphological description: no inflammatory signs of atopic dermatitis (no erythema, no induration/papulation, no lichenification, no oozing/crusting), and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and/or hypopigmentation may be present. A score of 1 (Almost Clear) has the following morphological description: barely perceptible erythema, barely perceptible induration/papulation, and/or minimal lichenification, and no oozing or crusting. A score of 2 (Mild) has the following morphological description: slight but definite erythema (pink), slight but definite induration/papulation, and/or slight but definite lichenification, and no oozing or crusting. A score of 3 (Moderate) has the following morphological description: clearly perceptible erythema (dull red), clearly perceptible induration/papulation, and/or clearly perceptible lichenification, and oozing and crusting may be present. A score of 4 (Severe) has the following morphological description: marked erythema (deep or bright red), marked induration/papulation, and/or marked lichenification, disease is widespread in extent, and oozing or crusting may be present. In embodiments described herein, the subject's Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score improved by about 1 grade, about 2 grades, about 3 grades, about 4 grades, or about 5 grades. In embodiments described herein, the subject's Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score improved by about 2 grades. In embodiments described herein, the subject's Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score improved to a score of about 0 or about 1. In embodiments described herein, the subject's Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score improved to a score of about 1 or almost clear. In certain embodiments, the subject achieved a score of about 0 or about 1 by week 1, week 2, week 3, week 4, week 5, week 6, week 7, week 8, week 9, week 10, week 11, or week 12. In certain embodiments, the subject achieved a 2-grade improvement by week 1, week 2, week 3, week 4, week 5, week 6, week 7, week 8, week 9, week 10, week 11, week 12, week 13, week 14, week 15, week 16, week 17, week 18, week 19, week 20, week 21, week 22, week 23, or week 24. In embodiments described herein, the subject has sustained improvement of PGA score after treatment has ended. In embodiments described herein, the subject has sustained improvement of PGA score about 1 week, about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 5 weeks, about 6 weeks, about 7 weeks, about 8 weeks, about 9 weeks, about 10 weeks, about 11 weeks, about 12 weeks, about 13 weeks, about 14 weeks, about 15 weeks, about 16 weeks, about 17 weeks, about 18 weeks, about 19 weeks, about 20 weeks, or up to 52 weeks after treatment has ended. In embodiments described herein, the subject does not experience worsening of PGA score about 1 week, about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 5 weeks, about 6 weeks, about 7 weeks, about 8 weeks, about 9 weeks, about 10 weeks, about 11 weeks, about 12 weeks, about 13 weeks, about 14 weeks, about 15 weeks, about 16 weeks, about 17 weeks, about 18 weeks, about 19 weeks, about 20 weeks, or up to 52 weeks after treatment has ended.

In embodiments described herein, administration of the topical composition to a subject having severe atopic dermatitis is effectively treated wherein the subject achieved a “Clear” or “Almost Clear” rating according to the PGA with at least a 2 point improvement. In embodiments described herein, administration of the topical composition to a subject having moderate atopic dermatitis is effectively treated wherein the subject achieved a “Clear” or “Almost Clear” rating according to the PGA with at least a 2 point improvement. In embodiments described herein, administration of the topical composition to a subject having mild atopic dermatitis is effectively treated wherein the subject achieved a “Clear” rating according to the PGA.

Pruritus is the most frequent symptom of AD and potentially has the greatest effect on quality of life. In embodiments described herein, the daily Itch/Pruritus numeric rating scale is subject-reported and obtained from the itch item on the Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary. In embodiments described herein, the subject's Itch/Pruritus numeric rating scale is improved by about 1 point, about 2 points, about 3 points, about 4 points, or about 5 points. In embodiments described herein, the subject's Itch/Pruritus numeric rating scale is improved by 3 points.

The assessment of the % BSA affected is an estimate of the percentage of total involved skin with atopic dermatitis. The extent of BSA affected by AD is a general indicator of disease severity. In embodiments described herein, one percent body surface area (1% BSA) is the equivalent of the total palmar surface of the palm plus 5 digits. The % BSA affected is calculated using the following regional body areas: Head and neck; Trunk, includes internal axillae and groin; Upper extremities, includes arms, external axillae, and hands; and Lower extremities, includes legs, buttocks, and feet. In embodiments described herein, body surface area (BSA) excludes the scalp, palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The % BSA assessment is utilized in the EASI. The % BSA affected by atopic dermatitis is evaluated from 0 to 100%. In embodiments described herein, the subject's percent body surface area (BSA) affected is decreased. In certain embodiments, the subject achieved a decrease in the % BSA affected by week 1, week 2, week 3, week 4, week 5, week 6, week 7, week 8, week 9, week 10, week 11, week 12, week 13, week 14, week 15, week 16, week 17, week 18, week 19, week 20, week 21, week 22, week 23, or week 24. In embodiments described herein, the subject has sustained improvement of % BSA affected after treatment has ended. In embodiments described herein, the subject has sustained improvement of percent body surface area (BSA) affected about 1 week, about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 5 weeks, about 6 weeks, about 7 weeks, about 8 weeks, about 9 weeks, about 10 weeks, about 11 weeks, about 12 weeks, about 13 weeks, about 14 weeks, about 15 weeks, about 16 weeks, about 17 weeks, about 18 weeks, about 19 weeks, about 20 weeks, or up to 52 weeks after treatment has ended. In embodiments described herein, the subject does not experience worsening of % BSA affected about 1 week, about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 5 weeks, about 6 weeks, about 7 weeks, about 8 weeks, about 9 weeks, about 10 weeks, about 11 weeks, about 12 weeks, about 13 weeks, about 14 weeks, about 15 weeks, about 16 weeks, about 17 weeks, about 18 weeks, about 19 weeks, about 20 weeks, or up to 52 weeks after treatment has ended.

In embodiments described herein, the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EAST) is measured using a scoring system for assessing the severity of AD that takes into account the overall severity of erythema, infiltration/ papulation, excoriation, and lichenification, as well as the extent of BSA affected with AD. The 4 clinical signs are each graded on a 4-point scale (0 to 3) for each of the 4 specified body regions (head and neck, upper extremities, lower extremities, and trunk). The EASI is a static assessment made without reference to previous scores. In embodiments described herein, the subject's Eczema Area and Severity Index (EAST) is improved by about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, or about 100%. In embodiments described herein, the subject's Eczema Area and Severity Index (EAST) is improved by greater than or equal to 25%, greater than or equal to 50%, or greater than or equal to 75%. In embodiments described herein, the subject's Eczema Area and Severity Index (EAST) is improved by greater than or equal to 50%. In embodiments described herein, the subject's Eczema Area and Severity Index (EAST) is improved by greater than or equal to 75%. In certain embodiments, the subject achieved a greater than 50% improvement in EASI by week 1, week 2, week 3, week 4, week 5, week 6, week 7, week 8, week 9, week 10, week 11, week 12, week 13, week 14, week 15, week 16, week 17, week 18, week 19, week 20, week 21, week 22, week 23, or week 24. In certain embodiments, the subject achieved a greater than 75% improvement in EASI by week 1, week 2, week 3, week 4, week 5, week 6, week 7, week 8, week 9, week 10, week 11, week 12, week 13, week 14, week 15, week 16, week 17, week 18, week 19, week 20, week 21, week 22, week 23, or week 24. In certain embodiments, the subject achieved a greater than 90% improvement in EASI by week 1, week 2, week 3, week 4, week 5, week 6, week 7, week 8, week 9, week 10, week 11, week 12, week 13, week 14, week 15, week 16, week 17, week 18, week 19, week 20, week 21, week 22, week 23, or week 24. In embodiments described herein, the subject has sustained improvement of EASI after treatment has ended. In embodiments described herein, the subject has sustained improvement of EASI about 1 week, about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 5 weeks, about 6 weeks, about 7 weeks, about 8 weeks, about 9 weeks, about 10 weeks, about 11 weeks, about 12 weeks, about 13 weeks, about 14 weeks, about 15 weeks, about 16 weeks, about 17 weeks, about 18 weeks, about 19 weeks, about 20 weeks, or up to 52 weeks after treatment has ended. In embodiments described herein, the subject does not experience worsening of EASI about 1 week, about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 5 weeks, about 6 weeks, about 7 weeks, about 8 weeks, about 9 weeks, about 10 weeks, about 11 weeks, about 12 weeks, about 13 weeks, about 14 weeks, about 15 weeks, about 16 weeks, about 17 weeks, about 18 weeks, about 19 weeks, about 20 weeks, or up to 52 weeks after treatment has ended.

In embodiments described herein, the total severity score (TSS) is determined by measuring a single target lesion measuring at least 3 cm at baseline and was representative of subject disease, but not located on hands, feet or genitalia. The single target lesion selected to assess efficacy in treating a discrete area rather than an overall average of all areas. For the single target lesion, the severity of erythema, induration/papulation, lichenification, oozing/crusting, and scaling was assessed on a 4-point scale and TSS was calculated. The maximum score was 15, with higher scores indicating more severe disease. In embodiments described herein, the subject's total severity score improved by about 1 point, about 2 points, 3 points, about 4 points, about 5 points, about 6 points, about 7 points, about 8 points, about 9 points, about 10 points, about 11 points, about 12 points, about 13 points, about 14 points, or about 15 points. In certain embodiments, the subject achieved an improvement in total severity score by week 1, week 2, week 3, week 4, week 5, week 6, week 7, week 8, week 9, week 10, week 11, week 12, week 13, week 14, week 15, week 16, week 17, week 18, week 19, week 20, week 21, week 22, week 23, or week 24. In embodiments described herein, the subject has sustained improvement of total severity score after treatment has ended. In embodiments described herein, the subject has sustained improvement of total severity score about 1 week, about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 5 weeks, about 6 weeks, about 7 weeks, about 8 weeks, about 9 weeks, about 10 weeks, about 11 weeks, about 12 weeks, about 13 weeks, about 14 weeks, about 15 weeks, about 16 weeks, about 17 weeks, about 18 weeks, about 19 weeks, about 20 weeks, or up to 52 weeks after treatment has ended. In embodiments described herein, the subject does not experience worsening of total severity score about 1 week, about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 5 weeks, about 6 weeks, about 7 weeks, about 8 weeks, about 9 weeks, about 10 weeks, about 11 weeks, about 12 weeks, about 13 weeks, about 14 weeks, about 15 weeks, about 16 weeks, about 17 weeks, about 18 weeks, about 19 weeks, about 20 weeks, or up to 52 weeks after treatment has ended.

In embodiments described herein, patient reported outcomes were measured using the Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary and the Expanded Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM).

In some embodiments, different quality of life scales are utilized to assess patient improvement through Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) measures. EQ-5D-5L is a five level scale to define general health levels, for example having no problems, having slight problems, having moderate problems, having severe problems and being unable to do/having extreme problems. Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) includes physical symptoms, such as itching and sleep loss, as well as psychosocial questions regarding friendships, bullying, school performance, sports participation, and enjoyment of vacation. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) inquires about skin symptoms, feelings of embarrassment, and how skin disease has affected day-to-day activities, working and social life. Infant's Dermatology Quality of Life (IDQOL) includes questions regarding an infant or young child's difficulties with mood, sleep, bathing, dressing, play, mealtimes, other family activities, and treatment Dermatitis Family Impact (DFI) is designed to be completed by a caretaker of the child, usually a parent, and consists of 10 questions related to housework, food preparation and feeding, sleep, family leisure activity, shopping, expenditure, fatigue, emotional distress and relationships. The PROMIS Itch-Mood and Sleep Short Form 8a assesses mood and sleep related quality of life impairment from itch (pruritus) in adults (18+), it is universal rather than disease specific and assesses the impact of itch over the past 7 days and includes 18 items. In embodiments described herein, the subject score in one of more PRO, such as EQ-5D-5L, CDLQI, DLQI, IDQOL, DFI, and/or PROMIS Itch-Mood and Sleep improves.

In embodiments described herein, the self-administered Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary assesses the severity of 11 disease-related signs and symptoms: 1.) skin that is itchy, 2.) discolored, 3.) bleeding, 4.) oozing, 5.) cracked, 6.) scaly, 7.) flaky, 8.) dry/rough, 9.) painful, 10.) burning, and 11.) stinging. Response options are on an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS) and range from 0 (Absent) to 10 (Worst Imaginable). In embodiments described herein, the recall period was the previous 24 hours. In embodiments described herein, the subject's assessment of itchy skin, red/discolored skin, bleeding, weeping or oozing skin, cracked skin, scaly skin, flaky skin, dry or rough skin, painful skin, burning skin, or burning skin, each improved by about 1 point, about 2 points, 3 points, about 4 points, about 5 points, about 6 points, about 7 points, about 8 points, about 9 points, about 10 points, or about 11 points. In certain embodiments, the subject reported an improvement on one or more symptoms assessed by the Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary by week 1, week 2, week 3, week 4, week 5, week 6, week 7, week 8, week 9, week 10, week 11, week 12, week 13, week 14, week 15, week 16, week 17, week 18, week 19, week 20, week 21, week 22, week 23, or week 24. In embodiments described herein, the subject has sustained improvement of one or more symptoms assessed by the Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary after treatment has ended. In embodiments described herein, the subject has sustained improvement of one or more symptoms assessed by the Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary about 1 week, about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 5 weeks, about 6 weeks, about 7 weeks, about 8 weeks, about 9 weeks, about 10 weeks, about 11 weeks, about 12 weeks, about 13 weeks, about 14 weeks, about 15 weeks, about 16 weeks, about 17 weeks, about 18 weeks, about 19 weeks, about 20 weeks, or up to 52 weeks after treatment has ended. In embodiments described herein, the subject does not experience worsening of one or more symptoms assessed by the Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary about 1 week, about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 5 weeks, about 6 weeks, about 7 weeks, about 8 weeks, about 9 weeks, about 10 weeks, about 11 weeks, about 12 weeks, about 13 weeks, about 14 weeks, about 15 weeks, about 16 weeks, about 17 weeks, about 18 weeks, about 19 weeks, about 20 weeks, or up to 52 weeks after treatment has ended.

In embodiments described herein, the subject assessed disease severity using the self-administered Expanded Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM). In embodiments described herein, the Expanded POEM assessed seven symptoms: 1.) skin that is itchy, 2.) bleeding, 3.) weeping/oozing, 4.) cracked, 5.) flaking, 6.) dry/rough, and 7.) disturbed sleep; measured using a 5-point scale of frequency of occurrence during the previous week. The 3 questions to assess sleep quality were directed to the frequency of waking at night difficulty falling asleep due to the atopic dermatitis. Individual responses were scored from 0 to 4. Improvement in sleep and improvement in itch were also measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). In embodiments described herein, the subject's assessment of itchy skin, bleeding, weeping/oozing, cracked skin, flaking skin, dry/rough skin, and disturbed sleep each improved by about 1 point, about 2 points, 3 points, or about 4 points. In embodiments described herein, the subject's assessment of sleep quality is improved. In embodiments described herein, the subject's assessment of disturbed sleep improved. In certain embodiments, the subject reported an improvement on one or more symptoms assessed by POEM by week 1, week 2, week 3, week 4, week 5, week 6, week 7, week 8, week 9, week 10, week 11, week 12, week 13, week 14, week 15, week 16, week 17, week 18, week 19, week 20, week 21, week 22, week 23, or week 24. In embodiments described herein, the subject has sustained improvement of one or more symptoms assessed by the POEM after treatment has ended. In embodiments described herein, the subject has sustained improvement of one or more symptoms assessed by the POEM about 1 week, about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 5 weeks, about 6 weeks, about 7 weeks, about 8 weeks, about 9 weeks, about 10 weeks, about 11 weeks, about 12 weeks, about 13 weeks, about 14 weeks, about 15 weeks, about 16 weeks, about 17 weeks, about 18 weeks, about 19 weeks, about 20 weeks, or up to 52 weeks after treatment has ended. In embodiments described herein, the subject does not experience worsening of one or more symptoms assessed by the POEM about 1 week, about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 5 weeks, about 6 weeks, about 7 weeks, about 8 weeks, about 9 weeks, about 10 weeks, about 11 weeks, about 12 weeks, about 13 weeks, about 14 weeks, about 15 weeks, about 16 weeks, about 17 weeks, about 18 weeks, about 19 weeks, about 20 weeks, or up to 52 weeks after treatment has ended.

In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms improved by about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 5 weeks, about 6 weeks, about 7 weeks, or about 8 weeks, about 9 weeks, about 10 weeks, about 11 weeks, about 12 weeks, about 13 weeks, about 14 weeks, about 15 weeks, about 16 weeks, about 17 weeks, about 18 weeks, about 19 weeks, about 20 weeks, or up to 52 weeks after of administering the topical composition. In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms improved by about 2 weeks of administering the topical composition. In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms improved by about 4 weeks of administering the topical composition. In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms improved by about 8 weeks of administering the topical composition. In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms improved by about 12 weeks of administering the topical composition.

In some embodiments, it was surprisingly found that the topical composition may produce long lasting effects on the skin and may modify the long-term course of atopic dermatitis. Specifically, in certain embodiments, the improvement of the symptoms seen during administration of the topical composition may be maintained long after the final administration of the topical composition. In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms remain improved about 1 week, about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 5 weeks, about 6 weeks, about 12 weeks, about 13 weeks, about 14 weeks, about 15 weeks, about 16 weeks, about 17 weeks, about 18 weeks, about 19 weeks, about 20 weeks, or up to 52 weeks after administration of the composition has ceased. In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms remain improved about 2 weeks after administration of the topical composition has ceased. In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms remain improved about 3 weeks after administration of the topical composition has ceased. In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms remain improved about 4 weeks after administration of the topical composition has ceased. In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms remain improved about 8 weeks after administration of the topical composition has ceased. In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms remain improved about 12 weeks after administration of the topical composition has ceased. In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms remain improved about 16 weeks after administration of the topical composition has ceased. In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms remain improved about 20 weeks after administration of the topical composition has ceased.

It was surprisingly found that the topical composition may produce long lasting effects on the skin and may modify the long-term course of atopic dermatitis. Specifically, in certain embodiments, the symptoms do not worsen after the final administration of the topical composition. In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms do not worsen about 1 week, about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 5 weeks, about 6 weeks, about 12 weeks, about 13 weeks, about 14 weeks, about 15 weeks, about 16 weeks, about 17 weeks, about 18 weeks, about 19 weeks, about 20 weeks, or up to 52 weeks after administration of the topical composition has ceased. In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms do not worsen about 2 weeks after administration of the topical composition has ceased. In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms do not worsen about 3 weeks after administration of the topical composition has ceased. In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms do not worsen about 4 weeks after administration of the topical composition has ceased. In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms do not worsen about 8 weeks after administration of the topical composition has ceased. In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms do not worsen about 12 weeks after administration of the topical composition has ceased. In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms do not worsen about 16 weeks after administration of the topical composition has ceased. In embodiments described herein, the one or more symptoms do not worsen about 20 weeks after administration of the topical composition has ceased.

In embodiments described herein, the topical composition exhibits low systemic absorption following topical application. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition exhibits no accumulation with repeat dosing. Systemic absorption of tapinarof is measured in plasma. In embodiments described herein, plasma concentration of tapinarof is below the limit of detection (LOD) when measured at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 hours following once daily application of the topical composition described herein. In embodiments described herein, plasma concentration of tapinarof is below the limit of detection (LOD) when measured at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 hours following twice daily application of the topical composition described herein. In some embodiments, the mean AUC_([0-24]) is about 23.4 to about 2.2 h*ng/mL. In some embodiments, the mean AUC_([0-24]) is about 10.5 to about 1.5 h*ng/mL.

embodiments described herein, the topical composition is non-stinging.

In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is more effective than pimecrolimus (Elidel™), tacrolimus (Protopic™), crisaborole (Eucrisa™), or desonide (Verdeso™ or Desonate™).

In embodiments described herein, the topical composition is administered in an initial dosing regimen followed by a maintenance dosing regimen. In embodiments described herein, the initial dosing regimen is about 1 week to about 24 weeks in duration. In embodiments described herein, the maintenance dosing regimen is about 1 week to about 24 weeks in duration. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition administered in the initial dosing regimen contains 1% tapinarof. In embodiments described herein, the topical composition administered in the maintenance dosing regimen contains 0.5% tapinarof.

In embodiments, the method may include the co-administration of additives, other second active agents or enzymes as described herein. In embodiments, co-administration may be at the same time, substantially the same time, before or after administration of the topical compositions described herein.

In embodiments, the additives may be selected from the group consisting of vitamins, cosmetic peptides, oil control agents, sensation modifying agents, skin lightening agents, hydrating compositions, a sunblock agent, a compound that absorbs or reflects UV photons, other skin care agents, a second active agent and combinations thereof, as described herein.

In some embodiments, administration of the composition is by topical application, transdermal, percutaneous, or microneedle injection.

In embodiments, the composition is administered by microneedle injection. Microneedle is a hollow needle having an exposed height of between about 0 and 1 mm and a total length of between about 0.3 mm to about 2.5 mm. Preferably, the microneedle is a hollow needle having a length of less than about 2.5 mm. Most preferably, the microneedle is a hollow needle having a length of less than about 1.7 mm. The composition comprising therapeutic cells and extracellular matrix component are delivered into the skin to a depth of at least about 0.3 mm and no more than about 2.5 mm by the microneedle.

In some embodiments, the topical composition can be applied to the skin one, two, three, four, five or more times each day, and applying can be carried out for a period of at least 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months, 8 months or 12 months.

In such embodiments, the topical composition can be applied to the skin one, two, three, four, five or more times each day, and applying can be carried out for a period of at least 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months, 8 months or 12 months.

In some embodiments, the topical composition may be administered once, as needed, once daily, twice daily, three times a day, once a week, twice a week, every other week, every other day, or the like for one or more dosing cycles. A dosing cycle may include administration for about 1 week, about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 5 weeks, about 6 weeks, about 7 weeks, about 8 weeks, about 9 weeks, or about 10 weeks. After this cycle, a subsequent cycle may begin approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 weeks later. The treatment regime may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 cycles, each cycle being spaced apart by approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 weeks.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description and the preferred versions contained within this specification. Various aspects of the present invention will be illustrated with reference to the following non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES Example 1—Results of Phase II Clinical Study

This study, which included 247 subjects, was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a range of concentrations of Tapinarof cream for the topical treatment of AD in adolescents and adults. Results of this study will be used to select the most appropriate concentration and application frequency of Tapinarof cream to evaluate in Phase III clinical studies.

The study objectives and the associated endpoints were as described in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Study Objectives and Associated Endpoints Objectives Endpoints Primary To estimate the relationship Proportion of subjects who had an Investigator Global between GSK2894512 cream Assessment (IGA) score of clear or almost clear (0 or 1) concentrations (0.5%, 1%) and at Week 12 and a minimum 2-grade improvement in IGA application frequency with score from Baseline to Week 12 efficacy response, based upon clinical evaluations in subjects with AD Secondary To estimate the efficacy of Proportion of subjects who achieved an IGA score of 0 GSK2894512 cream or 1 and a minimum 2-grade improvement from Baseline to each study visit Proportion of subjects with a minimum 2-grade improvement in IGA score from Baseline to each study visit Proportion of subjects with an IGA score of 0 or 1 at each study visit Mean change in IGA score from Baseline to each study visit Proportion of subjects with ≥75% improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI75) from Baseline to each study visit Mean percent change in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score from Baseline to each study visit Proportion of subjects with ≥50% improvement in EASI (EASI50) from Baseline to each study visit Mean change in EASI score from Baseline to each study visit Mean change in percent of body surface area (% BSA) affected from Baseline to each study visit Mean change in Total Severity Score (TSS) from Baseline to each study visit Mean percent change in TSS from Baseline to each study visit Mean change in individual signs of TSS from Baseline to each study visit Mean percent change in individual sign of TSS from Baseline to each study visit Mean change in weekly average of daily itch/pruritus (numeric rating scale [NRS]) score (based on Item #1 of Daily Sign & Symptom Severity Diary) from Baseline to Week 12 Mean Percent change in weekly average of daily itch/pruritus (NRS) score (based on Item #1 of Daily Sign & Symptom Severity Diary) from Baseline to Week 12 Proportion of subjects who achieved a minimum 3-point improvement in weekly average of itch/pruritus (NRS) from Baseline to each study visit To describe the safety and Incidence, frequency, and nature of AEs and serious tolerability of GSK2894512 adverse events (SAEs) cream Local tolerability scores over time Change over time in clinical laboratory tests and frequency of clinically-significant abnormal test results Change over time in vital signs and frequency of clinically-significant abnormal results Incidence and nature of abnormal electrocardiograms (ECGs) To describe the safety and Incidence, frequency, and nature of AEs and serious tolerability of GSK2894512 adverse events (SAEs) cream Local tolerability scores over time Change over time in clinical laboratory tests and frequency of clinically-significant abnormal test results Change over time in vital signs and frequency of clinically-significant abnormal results Incidence and nature of abnormal electrocardiograms (ECGs) Other To describe the effect of Change in expanded Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure GSK2894512 cream on subject- (POEM) items from Baseline to each study visit reported outcomes Change in weekly average of Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary score from Baseline to each study visit Subject impression of severity of eczema symptoms and overall change in severity of eczema symptoms and overall change in itch/pruritus from Baseline to Week 12 To characterize the population Population estimates of PK parameters as data permit pharmacokinetics (PK) of GSK2894512 after topical application of GSK2894512 cream To explore the relationship Relationship between cream concentration and/or between topical exposure (ie, % BSA treated and changes in systemic exposure as data cream concentration and % BSA permit treated), efficacy, and/or safety, Relationship between systemic exposure and changes in and systemic exposure of efficacy (eg, IGA score) and/or safety endpoints, as GSK2894512, as data permit. appropriate To estimate the duration of Proportion of subjects who had an IGA score of 0 or 1 response of G5K2894512 cream at Week 12 and a minimum 2-grade improvement in IGA score from Baseline to Week 12 and who maintained that response at 2 and 4 weeks post-treatment Proportions of subjects who achieved improvement with respect to individual secondary efficacy endpoints at Week 12 and maintained the improvement at 2 and 4 weeks post-treatment, as appropriate To explore the measurement Evaluate the reliability, validity, and ability to detect properties of the Daily Sign and change of the Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary, Symptom Severity Diary including the itch/pruritus NRS

Study Design

This was a multicenter (United States, Canada, and Japan), randomized, double-blind (Sponsor-unblind), vehicle-controlled, 6-arm, parallel-group, dose-finding study in adolescent and adult subjects with AD.

The study consisted of 3 periods: up to 4 weeks screening, 12 weeks double-blind treatment, and 4 weeks post-treatment Follow-up. Study visits occurred at Screening; Baseline; Weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 during the treatment period; and 2 and 4 weeks after the last application of study treatment (ie, at Weeks 14 and 16). Additional visits could occur, as needed, to follow-up on any skin reactions or ongoing AEs. A subject's total duration of study participation was approximately 16 to 20 weeks.

Two concentrations of Tapinarof cream (0.5% and 1%) and a vehicle control were evaluated following application to all AD lesions (except on the scalp) once or twice daily for 12 weeks. There were no planned dose adjustments during the study. It was expected that approximately 270 adolescent and adult subjects with AD would be screened to achieve 228 randomized subjects (1:1:1:1:1:1; N=3 8 for each of the 6 treatment groups) and approximately 204 evaluable subjects overall. At least 30 subjects were to be randomized in Japan to achieve at least 24 evaluable Japanese subjects. To ensure an adequate number of adolescents (aged 12 to 17 years) versus adults were represented in the overall study population, enrollment was limited to approximately 65% of either age group.

The ITT Population was to include all randomized subjects. Subjects who prematurely discontinued from the study were not replaced.

Efficacy was assessed by using a 5-point static Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) (0-4 scale), the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EAST), percent of body surface area (% BSA) involvement, severity of AD signs using a Total Severity Score (TSS), and by subject-reported itch/pruritus severity using a numeric rating scale (NRS) (from the Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary). Additional subject-reported outcomes included the expanded Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), a Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary, and subject impression of severity of eczema symptoms and overall change in severity of eczema symptoms and overall change in itch/pruritus items. There was also an investigator global impression of change item.

Safety was assessed by the monitoring and recording of all AEs and serious adverse events (SAEs); evaluation of local (application site) tolerability; monitoring of hematology (including peripheral blood immunophenotyping and immunoglobulins), clinical chemistry, and vital signs; and the performance of ECGs and physical examinations.

An independent data monitoring committee (IDMC) was utilized in this study to ensure external objective medical and/or statistical review of safety issues.

An unblinded, interim analysis was carried out (database lock: 11 Jul. 2016) to identify the appropriate drug concentration and topical application frequency of GSK2894512 for use in Phase III clinical studies. The interim analysis was conducted when approximately 100 subjects had completed the Week 8 visit. The access to unblinded information was limited and defined a priori in a study results dissemination plan.

Discussion of Study Design

The randomized, double-blind (Sponsor-unblind), vehicle-controlled study design was selected to minimize the potential for subjective bias related to possible identification of which subjects are receiving active treatment and to minimize selection and allocation bias by balancing potential prognostic factors. The study was conducted at multiple study centers to enhance the possibility of inclusion of a wider range of population groups and to subsequently increase generalizability of the results.

Clinical studies in skin conditions have historically shown a notable vehicle (as well as placebo) response rate, which could be attributable to the effects of skin moisturization or to the increased emphasis on proper skin care while participating in a clinical study. A vehicle control group was included in this study to provide a control for comparison and to ensure study assay sensitivity for characterization of the safety and efficacy profile of Tapinarof cream.

The predicted maximum systemic exposure to Tapinarof in this study was expected to be lower than the no observed adverse effects level (NOAEL) identified in nonclinical toxicology studies. Exposure predicted based on in vitro flux data and topical minipig relative bioavailability showed a lesser systemic exposure for 1% cream Formulation F versus Formulations C or E. This provided a safety margin of 4- to 8-fold for predicted area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) for 24 hours (0-24) and 4- to 6-fold for predicted maximum observed concentration (Cmax) for 1% cream (Formulation F) applied twice daily when compared with the NOAEL obtained from the rat subcutaneous 3 mg/kg/day, 13-week toxicology study (99 ng. h/mL for AUC(0-24) and 31.6 ng/mL for Cmax).

The treatment duration was 12 weeks. Previous studies of Tapinarof cream (using Formulation C) showed some efficacy within the first 14 days of treatment and increasing efficacy over 12 weeks of treatment. The 12-week treatment endpoint in this study was expected to be an adequate duration of treatment to measure response.

Inclusion Criteria

A subject was eligible for inclusion in this study only if all of the following criteria applied: 1. Male or female aged 12 years to 65 years, inclusive, at the time of informed consent; 2. Diagnosis of AD fulfilling the specified diagnostic criteria and having active inflammation; 3. Body surface area involvement >5% and <35%, excluding scalp, at Screening and Baseline; 4. An IGA of AD score >3 at Baseline; 5. At least 1 target lesion that measured at least 3 cm² at Screening and Baseline, Must have been representative of the subject's disease state, but not located on the hands, feet or genitalia; 6. A female subject was eligible to participate if she was not pregnant (as confirmed by a negative urine human chorionic gonadotrophin [hCG] test), not lactating, and when at least one of the following conditions applied: a. Non-reproductive potential defined as: pre-menopausal females with 1 of the following: documented tubal ligation, documented hysteroscopic tubal occlusion procedure with follow-up confirmation of bilateral tubal occlusion, hysterectomy, documented dilateral oophorectomy, postmenopausal was defined as 12 months of spontaneous amenorrhea (in questionable cases a blood sample with simultaneous follicle stimulating hormone [FSH] and estradiol levels consistent with menopause [refer to laboratory reference ranges for confirmatory levels]). Females on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and whose menopausal status was in doubt were required to use 1 of the highly effective contraception methods if they wished to continue their HRT during the study. Otherwise, they had to discontinue HRT to allow confirmation of post-menopausal status prior to study enrolment. b. Reproductive potential and agreed to follow 1 of the options listed in the Modified List of Highly Effective Methods for Avoiding Pregnancy in Females of Reproductive Potential (FRP) (see Protocol, Appendix 5) from 30 days prior to the first dose of study medication and until after the last dose of study medication and completion of the Follow-up visit. The investigator was responsible for ensuring that subjects understood how to properly use these methods of contraception.

Exclusion Criteria

A subject was not eligible for inclusion in this study if any of the following criteria applied: 1. Unstable course of AD (spontaneously improving or rapidly deteriorating) as determined by the investigator over the previous 4 weeks prior to Baseline; 2. Concurrent conditions and history of other diseases: a. Immunocompromised (eg, lymphoma, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome) or had a history of malignant disease within 5 years before the Baseline visit). b. Chronic or acute infection requiring treatment with systemic antibiotics, antivirals, antiparasitics, antiprotozoals, or antifungals within 4 weeks before the Baseline visit. c. Active acute bacterial, fungal, or viral (eg, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, chicken pox) skin infection within 1 week before the Baseline visit. d. Any other concomitant skin disorder (eg, generalized erythroderma such as Netherton's Syndrome or psoriasis), pigmentation, or extensive scarring that in the opinion of the investigator could interfere with the evaluation of AD lesions or compromise subject safety. e. Presence of AD lesions only on the hands or feet without prior history of involvement of other classical areas of involvement such as the face or the folds. f. Other types of eczema. 3. A history or ongoing serious illness or medical, physical, or psychiatric condition(s) that, in the investigator's opinion, could have interfered with the subject's completion of the study. 4. Known hypersensitivity to excipients. 5. Current or chronic history of liver disease, known hepatic or biliary abnormalities (with the exception of Gilbert's syndrome or asymptomatic gallstones), presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), or positive hepatitis C antibody test result within 3 months of Screening. 6. Liver function tests: alanine aminotransferase (ALT)>2×upper limit of normal (ULN); alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin>1.5×ULN (isolated bilirubin>1.5×ULN was acceptable if bilirubin was fractionated and direct bilirubin<35%). 7. QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc)>450 msec or QTc>480 msec for subjects with bundle branch block. 8. The QTc is the QT interval corrected for heart rate, with machine overread. The QTc was to be based on a single ECG obtained over a brief recording period. If QTc was outside of the threshold value, triplicate ECGs could be performed with the QTc values averaged. (Refer to Protocol, Section 7.4.5 for information on QTc correction formula.) 9. Ultraviolet (UV) light therapy or prolonged exposure to natural or artificial sources of UV radiation (eg, sunlight or tanning booth) within 4 weeks prior to the Baseline visit and/or intention to have such exposure during the study, which was thought by the investigator to potentially impact the subject's AD. 10. Used any of the following treatments within the indicated washout period before the Baseline visit: a. 12 weeks or 5 half-lives (whichever was longer)—biologic agents (eg, 18 weeks for omalizumab). b. 8 weeks—cyclosporin, methotrexate, azathioprine, or other systemic immunosuppressive or immunomodulating agents, (eg, mycophenolate or tacrolimus). c. 4 weeks—systemic corticosteroids or adrenocorticotropic hormone analogs. d. 2 weeks—topical treatments: corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or coal tar (on the body). e. 2 weeks —immunizations; sedating antihistamines (nonsedating antihistamines were permitted). f. 1 week—topical antibiotics, antibacterial cleansing body wash/soap or diluted sodium hypochlorite “bleach” baths. 11. Participated in a clinical study and received an investigational product within the following time period prior to the Baseline visit: 4 weeks, 5 half-lives, or twice the duration of the biological effect of the investigational product (whichever was longer). 12. History of alcohol or other substance abuse within the last 2 years. 13. Participated in a previous study using Tapinarof (or WBI-1001).

Investigational Product and Reference Therapy: The term ‘study treatment’ is used throughout this document to describe the product (i.e. Tapinarof or vehicle) received by subject as per the protocol design, as shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Investigational Product and Reference Therapy Drug Dose/Form/Route Frequency/Duration Tapinarof   1% (10 mg/g), cream, BID, 12 weeks topically Tapinarof   1% (10 mg/g), cream, QD, 12 weeks topically Tapinarof 0.5% (5 mg/g), cream, BID, 12 weeks topically Tapinarof 0.5% (5 mg/g), cream, QD, 12 weeks topically Vehicle   0%, cream, topically BID, 12 weeks Vehicle   0%, cream, topically QD, 12 weeks

The list of excipients include are propylene glycol, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, polysorbate 80, medium chain triglycerides, emulsifying wax non-ionic, polyoxyl stearyl ether 2, polyoxyl stearyl ether 20, benzoic acid, butylated hydroxytoluene, purified water, sodium citrate, citric acid monohydrate, and edetate disodium.

Primary Endpoint

The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects who had an IGA score of clear or almost clear (0 or 1) at Week 12 and a minimum 2-grade improvement in IGA score from Baseline to Week 12.

Investigator's Global Assessment: The IGA is a clinical tool for assessing the current state/severity of a subject's AD. It is a static 5-point morphological assessment of overall disease severity, as determined by the investigator, using the clinical characteristics of erythema, infiltration, papulation, oozing, and crusting as guidelines. At each specified time point, the IGA was made without reference to previous scores. Scoring system ranges from 0 (=Clear) to 4 (=Severe).

Secondary Endpoints

Secondary endpoints were the following: 1. Proportion of subjects who achieved an IGA score of 0 or 1 and a minimum 2-grade improvement from Baseline to each study visit; 2. Proportion of subjects with a minimum 2-grade improvement in IGA score from Baseline to each study visit; 3. Proportion of subjects with an IGA score of 0 or 1 at each study visit; 4. Mean change in IGA score from Baseline to each study visit; 5. Proportion of subjects with >75% improvement in EASI (EASI75) from Baseline to each study visit; 6. Mean percent change in EASI score from Baseline to each study visit; 7. Proportion of subjects with >50% improvement in EASI (EASI50) from Baseline to each study visit; 8. Mean change in EASI score from Baseline to each study visit; 9. Mean change in % BSA affected from Baseline to each study visit; 10. Mean change in TSS from Baseline to each study visit; 11. Mean percent change in TSS from Baseline to each study visit; 12. Mean change in individual sign of TSS from Baseline to each study visit; 13. Mean percent change in individual signs of TSS from Baseline to each study visit; 14. Mean change in weekly average of daily itch/pruritus (NRS) score (based on Item #1 of Daily Sign & Symptom Severity Diary) from Baseline to Week 12; 15. Mean Percent change in weekly average of daily itch/pruritus (NRS) score (based on Item #1 of Daily Sign & Symptom Severity Diary) from Baseline to Week 12; 16. Proportion of subjects who achieved a minimum 3-point improvement in weekly average of itch/pruritus (NRS) from Baseline to each study visit.

Eczema Area and Severity Index: The EASI scoring system is a standard clinical tool for assessing the severity of AD that takes into account the overall severity of erythema, infiltration/ papulation, excoriation, and lichenification, as well as the extent of BSA affected with AD. The 4 clinical signs are each graded on a 4-point scale (0 to 3) for each of the 4 specified body regions (head and neck, upper extremities, lower extremities, and trunk). The EASI is a static assessment made without reference to previous scores.

Body Surface Area: The extent of BSA affected by AD is a general indicator of disease severity and was measured throughout the study. The extent of BSA to which study treatment was applied was also recorded. For the purpose of approximate clinical estimation, the total palmar surface of the palm plus 5 digits was assumed to be approximately equivalent to 1% BSA.

Total Severity Score: A single target lesion that measured at least 3 cm at Screening and Baseline and was representative of subject disease, but not located on hands, feet or genitalia, was selected at Baseline to assess efficacy in treating a discrete area rather than an overall average of all areas. For that lesion, the severity of erythema, induration/papulation, lichenification, oozing/crusting, and scaling was assessed on a 4-point scale and TSS was calculated. The maximum score was 15, with higher scores indicating more severe disease.

Investigator Impression of Change Item: This was a single item that asked the investigator to rate the change from Baseline in the subject's overall AD symptoms. Response options ranged from “1=very improved” to “7=very worse”. Results will also be used as a clinical anchor in analyses of the minimally-important differences in the Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary, including itch/pruritus.

Pruritus/Itch Severity: Pruritus is the most frequent symptom of AD and potentially has the greatest effect on quality of life. Subject-reported itch severity was obtained from the itch item from the Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary.

Other Efficacy Endpoints

Other efficacy endpoints were as follows: Relationship between cream concentration and/or % BSA treated and changes in systemic exposure, as data permitted; Proportions of subjects who achieved an IGA score of 0 or 1 at Week 12 and a minimum 2-grade improvement from Baseline to Week 12 and who maintained the improvement at 2 and 4 weeks post-treatment; Proportions of subjects who achieved improvement with respect to individual secondary efficacy endpoints at Week 12 and maintained the improvement at 2 and 4 weeks post-treatment, as appropriate; To evaluate the reliability, validity, and ability to detect change of the Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary, including the itch/pruritus NRS item; Endpoint related to systemic exposure: Relationship between systemic exposure and changes in efficacy (eg, IGA score) and/or safety endpoints, as appropriate

Pharmacokinetics: A total of 5 blood samples for PK analysis of GSK2894512 were collected from each subject over the clinic visits at Weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12. Plasma analysis was performed under the management of Bioanalytical Science and Toxicokinetics, DMPK, GSK.

Health Outcomes

Endpoints related to subject-reported outcomes were: Subject impression of severity of eczema symptoms and overall change in severity of eczema symptoms and overall change in itch/pruritus from Baseline to Week 12; change in expanded POEM items from Baseline to each study visit; change in weekly average of Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary score from Baseline to each study visit.

In order to evaluate symptoms and symptom impact, subjects completed a Subject Impression of Severity and Change questionnaire, the expanded POEM, as well as a Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary to record AD symptoms. Each investigator also completed an impression of change item (assessing change in severity of AD symptoms) for each subject.

Subject Impression of Severity and Change Items

At Baseline, treatment, early withdrawal, and Follow-up, subjects were asked to rate the overall severity of their AD symptoms on a scale ranging from “1=mild” to “4=very severe.”

At Weeks 4, 8, 12, early withdrawal, and Follow-up, the global impression of change items asked subjects to rate their change from Baseline in overall severity of AD symptoms and in overall severity of itch. Response options ranged from “1=very improved” to “7=very worse.”

Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary: The self-administered Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary (which is based on the content of the POEM) assesses the severity of 11 disease-related signs and symptoms (skin that is itchy, discolored, bleeding, oozing, cracked, scaly, flaky, dry/rough, painful, burning, and stinging). Response options are on an 11-point NRS and range from 0 (Absent) to 10 (Worst Imaginable). The recall period was the previous 24 hours. Subjects completed the diary each day at home using an electronic diary. Adolescents (subjects aged 12 to 17) and adults completed the same version of the Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary. Question 1 was used to assess itch.

Expanded Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM): The POEM is a self-assessed measurement tool for monitoring disease activity in children and adults with AD. Seven symptoms (skin that is itchy, bleeding, weeping/oozing, cracked, flaking, dry/rough, and disturbed sleep) are measured using a 5-point scale of frequency of occurrence during the previous week. The POEM was scored as its original 7-item measure. Individual responses were scored from 0 to 4.

POEM was expanded with an additional 3 questions to assess sleep quality; these were not included in the original published instrument. One question asked about the frequency of waking at night and 2 questions asked about difficulty falling asleep. These 3 newly-developed sleep items were analyzed separately.

Primary Efficacy Endpoint

The primary efficacy analyses were conducted on the ITT and PP population, unless otherwise specified.

The study day relative to Day 1 was used as a covariate in the model.

The primary analysis was a repeated measures factorial logistic regression for the primary endpoint (proportion of subjects who have an IGA score of 0 or 1 at Week 12 and a minimum 2-grade improvement in IGA score from Baseline to Week 12) with covariates for dose (0% for vehicle, 0.5% and 1%), frequency of administration (once or twice daily), and study day as well as a dose by frequency interaction term. The response at each visit was modelled as repeated measures via inclusion of a random subject effect. Time was included in the model according to an Integrated Two-Component Prediction (ITP) model [Brown 2001]. Estimated population mean dose/frequency-response curves along with their corresponding 95% confidence bands were provided both graphically and in table format for all dose levels and frequencies by time point of interest. Estimated mean difference in response rate with 95% confidence interval between Tapinarof and vehicle cream for BID and QD were provided by time point of interest.

Supportive statistical analysis of primary endpoint based on Japanese subjects in the ITT population was conducted for 2 frequencies (once or twice daily) separately using simple logistic regression model with covariate for dose (0% for vehicle, 0.5% and 1%). The same analysis was done for the overall ITT and PP Populations to compare the results of Japanese population and overall population.

Summary statistics of the number of subjects providing data at the relevant time point, frequency counts and percentages, and 95% confidence interval were provided for the IGA response rate for each treatment group at each study visit. Mean and 95% confidence intervals were provided for the difference of (each BID dose—vehicle BID) and the difference of (each QD dose—vehicle QD) in IGA response rate at each visit.

Secondary Efficacy Endpoints

The secondary efficacy analyses were based on the ITT population, unless otherwise specified. The following key secondary efficacy analyses were based on the ITT and PP populations: proportion of subjects who achieved an IGA score of (0 or 1) and a minimum 2-grade improvement from Baseline to each study visit, proportion of subjects with EASI50 from Baseline to each study visit, and mean change in EASI score from Baseline to each study visit.

For continuous secondary endpoints, a repeated measures Emax model with ITP time component was fitted to the data. All dichotomous secondary endpoints were modeled in the same logistic regression model described in the primary statistical analysis. For continuous data, summary statistics of the mean, standard deviation (SD), median, minimum, maximum, 95% confidence interval and number of observations were provided for each treatment group at each study visit. For data of proportions, summary statistics of the number of subjects providing data at the relevant time point, frequency counts and percentages, and 95% confidence interval were provided for each treatment group at each study visit. Mean and 95% confidence intervals were provided for the difference of (each BID dose—vehicle BID) and the difference of (each QD dose—vehicle QD) at each visit.

Demographics and Baseline Characteristics

Out of the 247 subjects randomized in this study, 174 (70%) were aged 18 to 65 years (adults) and 73 subjects (30%) were aged 12 to 17 years (adolescents).

Overall, mean demographic and Baseline characteristics were comparable across treatment groups. Most subjects (91%) had a Baseline IGA category of “3=moderate”. The mean Baseline EASI score was 11.25 (SD 5.956), the mean % BSA affected was 16.91% (SD 10.042), the mean itch/pruritus score was 5.5 (SD 2.12), and the mean TSS score was 8.0 (SD 2.27).

By age group, Baseline IGA category for adults and adolescents were similar (92%) to the overall population; however, Baseline mean TSS score was slightly lower for adults (7.9 [SD 2.31]) and slightly higher for adolescents (8.2 [SD 2.19]).

Note that 2 subjects were included in the database appearing to be 11 years old. This was due to only the year of birth being recorded on the eCRF, with the birth date assumed to be the middle of the year (1 June) for the analyses. Subjects born in the first half of 2004 who gave consent before June therefore appear as 11-year-olds in the database despite actually being 12 years old. These subjects were therefore included in the adolescent group (12-17 years of age) in the statistical summaries.

Most Japanese subjects (96%) also had a Baseline IGA category of “3=moderate”; the overall mean EASI score was 12.21 (SD 6.274), mean % BSA affected was 19.25% (SD 9.348), the mean itch/pruritus score was 5.0 (SD 2.01), and the mean TSS score (7.4 [SD 1.97]).

The sample size at Baseline for the impression of severity item (242 subjects) and itch/pruritus item (226 subjects) was slightly smaller than the rest of the Baseline characteristics (247 subjects).

Baseline duration of AD in the Japanese population was similar across treatment groups. Similar patterns were also observed by age group. By sub-group, mean duration was shortest in the Japanese subjects (9.50 [SD 8.57] years) followed by the adolescent subjects (11.52 [SD 5.44] years) and adult subjects (21.56 [SD 14.70] years).

A total of 247 subjects (of the 363 subjects originally screened) were randomized into the study at 32 sites in the United States, eight sites in Canada, and 13 sites in Japan (ITT analysis population). Of those randomized, 191 subjects (77%) completed the study including the Week 16 follow-up visit. Overall, mean demographic and baseline characteristics were comparable across treatment groups (Table 3). Most subjects (91%) had a baseline IGA score of 3 (moderate) and a baseline mean Eczema Area and Severity Index (EAST) score of 11.3 (SD 6.0). Primary endpoint: IGA response rates (defined as IGA score of 0 or 1 and ≥2-grade improvement) at Week 12 were higher with all tapinarof cream groups than vehicle groups (53% [1% BID]; 46% [1% QD]; 37% [0.5% BID]; 34% [0.5% QD]; 24% [vehicle BID], and 28% [vehicle QD]) and were maintained for 4 weeks after the end of study treatment (non-responder imputation [NRI] method).

TABLE 3 Baseline subject demographics and characteristics Tapinarof 1% Tapinarof 0.5% Vehicle BID QD BID QD BID QD (n = 40) (n = 41) (n = 43) (n = 41) (n = 42) (n = 40) Mean age, 28.5 (13.9) 31.6 (15.7) 29.0 (15.9) 29.3 (14.0) 27.9 (14.7) 29.4 (15.2) years (SD) Aged 12-17 11 (28) 13 (32) 13 (30) 12 (29) 13 (31) 11 (28) years*, n (%) Aged 18-65 29 (73) 28 (68) 30 (70) 29 (71) 29 (69) 29 (73) years, n (%) Male sex, n 22 (55) 17 (41) 26 (60) 19 (46) 19 (45) 23 (58) (%) IGA score, 3.1 (0.2) 3.1 (0.3) 3.1 (0.3) 3.1 (0.3) 3.1 (0.4) 3.1 (0.3) mean (SD) EASI 9.8 (5.1) 11.0 (6.1) 13.1 (6.7) 11.4 (5.8) 11.1 (5.8) 11.1 (5.8) score, mean (SD) BSA 14.8 (8.7) 18.7 (11.0) 19.7 (10.5) 17.6 (9.9) 14.5 (9.2) 16.0 (10.3) affected, % (SD) Pruritus 5.2 (2.3) 5.4 (1.9) 5.7 (2.5) 5.7 (2.0) 5.1 (2.0) 5.8 (1.9) score, mean (SD)^(†) *Two subjects with age <12 years are included in the 12-17 years sub-group. ^(†)Mean scores based on a numerical rating scale (NRS) of 0 ‘absent’ to 10 ‘worst imaginable’. Data provided for the safety analysis population (n = 247). BID, twice daily; BSA, body surface area; EASI, Eczema Area and Severity Index; IGA, Investigator Global Assessment; QD, once daily; SD, standard deviation.

EFFICACY RESULTS

Efficacy results are reported using the ITT and PP Population. Results are further presented by overall population, adult population (18 to 65 years), adolescent population (12 to 17 years), and Japanese population.

Interim Analysis

A “go” decision was reached based on a clinically meaningful efficacy profile and a well-tolerated safety profile (the analysis was conducted when 100 subjects completed the Week 8 visit): Response rates of 35%, 74%, 35%, 40% at Week 8 for the proportion of subjects who had an IGA score of clear or almost clear (0 or 1) and a minimum 2-grade improvement in IGA score from Baseline to Week 8 with Tapinarof cream concentrations 1% BID, 1% QD, 0.5% BID, 0.5% QD, respectively, and 15% for vehicle BID and 27% for vehicle QD. Response rates of 45%, 63%, 59%, 35% at Week 8 for the proportion of subjects who had achieved 75% reduction in EASI from Baseline to Week 8 with Tapinarof cream concentrations 1% BID, 1% QD, 0.5% BID, 0.5% QD, respectively, and 23% for vehicle BID and 33% for vehicle QD. Clinically meaningful itch reduction in weekly average NRS was observed by Week 4 (median) −56.35%, −57.14%, −53.00%, −53.57%, with Tapinarof concentrations 1% BID, 1% QD, 0.5% BID, 0.5% QD, respectively, and −2.38% for vehicle BID and −38.33% for vehicle QD. Itch reduction was observed as early as Week 1 in the Tapinarof groups. Most frequent AEs (frequency >10% in at least 1 treatment arm) were folliculitis, nasopharyngitis, acne, and atopic dermatitis (worsening of pre-existing AD).

Investigator Global Assessment (IGA): The primary efficacy analyses were based on the ITT and PP Populations, unless otherwise specified. For subjects who discontinued investigational product before Week 12, any data after the last known administration of investigational product were excluded from the primary efficacy analyses. The study day relative to Day 1 was used as a covariate in the model. Data after Week 12 and data after withdrawal visits were excluded from the efficacy analyses.

The primary objective of this study was to estimate the relationship between Tapinarof cream concentrations (0.5% and 1%) and application frequency (QD or BID) with efficacy response based upon clinical evaluation in subjects with AD. The primary endpoint was the proportion of subjects who had an IGA score of clear or almost clear (0 or 1) at Week 12 and a minimum 2-grade improvement in IGA score from Baseline to Week 12. A subject was defined as having “IGA treatment success” when they met the criteria for this endpoint, ie, an IGA score of clear or almost clear (0 or 1) and a minimum 2-grade improvement in IGA score.

On average, the probability of achieving an IGA treatment success (IGA score of clear or almost clear and minimum 2-grade improvement from Baseline to Week 12) was highest in the 1% active treatment groups (67.7% and 62.6% in the BID and QD groups, respectively), followed by the 0.5% active treatment groups (28.7% and 18.3% in the BID and QD groups, respectively. This trend was seen at all visits starting at Week 1.

At Week 12, the difference in the probability of IGA responses between active treatment groups and vehicle treatment groups was highest in the 1% treatment groups (61.5% and 60.1% in the BID and QD groups, respectively). The difference in the probability of getting an IGA response between 0.5% active treatment groups and vehicle groups was 22.4% and 15.7% in the BID and QD groups, respectively.

Overall, the primary endpoint analysis showed a higher proportion of subjects with IGA treatment success in the 1% BID and 1% QD groups and the 0.5% BID group than in the vehicle groups at Week 12. Although there was clear separation between the 0.5% QD group and the vehicle groups at Week 4 and Week 8, at Week 12 the proportion of subjects with IGA treatment success leveled off (to 40%) in the 0.5% QD group and increased sharply in the vehicle QD group (to 44%). The 1% concentration treatment groups showed a higher rate of treatment success than the respective (ie, BID or QD) 0.5% concentration groups.

In the adult population, the primary endpoint analysis showed a higher proportion of subjects in active treatment groups with IGA treatment success than in vehicle groups at Week 12. The 1% and 0.5% concentration treatment groups showed similar rates of success (between 44% and 54%), with rates somewhat higher with BID application than with QD application.

In the adolescent population, the primary endpoint analysis showed a higher proportion of subjects with IGA treatment success in the 1% BID group than in the 1% QD, 0.5% BID, and both vehicle groups, where there were similar proportions with treatment success. The lowest proportion was seen in the 0.5% QD group at Week 12. The proportion of subjects with IGA treatment success was higher in the 1% concentration treatment groups than the 0.5% concentration groups.

Overall, the proportion of subjects with IGA treatment success in the Tapinarof BID groups continued to increase over time up to Week 12. In the QD active groups the proportion increased to Week 8 and then decreased to Week 12 .

In the adult population, the proportion of subjects with treatment success in the active treatment groups continued to increase over time through Week 12, except for the 1% BID group at Week 8 (slight decrease) and the 0.5% QD group at Week 12 (level).

In the adolescent population, the proportion of subjects with treatment success in the Tapinarof 1% QD group was higher and continued to increase over time through Week 8. The same pattern was observed for the Tapinarof 0.5% QD group, although the proportion of subjects with treatment success in this group was lower compared to the other groups. The other treatment groups continued to increase up to Week 12. Both vehicle groups (BID and QD) had a higher proportion of subjects with treatment success at Week 12 than both 0.5% (BID and QD) treatment groups.

IGA secondary endpoint analyses (the proportion of subjects who achieved an IGA score of 0 or 1 and a minimum 2-grade improvement from Baseline to each study visit and maintenance of improvement beyond Week 12) revealed the following: There was an increasing proportion of subjects who had an IGA score of 0 or 1 at each study visit up to Week 12, except for both (1% and 0.5%) active QD groups, where the proportion decreased between Week 8 and Week 12. The 1% concentration treatment groups showed a higher rate of subjects with treatment success than the corresponding 0.5% concentration groups at Week 12. There were no clear differences in the proportion of subjects who met the primary endpoint and maintained the improvement at 2 and 4 weeks post-treatment between active treatment groups and vehicle groups.

Ad-hoc Analysis: Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) Non-Responder Imputation (NRI): The efficacy data for the proportion of subjects who had an IGA score of clear or almost clear (0 or 1) at Week 12 and a minimum 2-grade improvement in IGA score from Baseline to Week 12 were re-analyzed using an NRI to adjust for the higher dropout rates in the vehicle group. Overall, with this method, the higher proportion of subjects with treatment success in the active treatment groups than in vehicle groups was more clearly defined, as well as the overall better efficacy for the 1% concentration at each visit. At Week 12, responses were higher with BID application compared with QD, but this pattern was not seen consistently throughout the treatment period.

In the NRI analysis of the adult population, there was a clear difference between the active and vehicle groups, with similar rates of treatment success between the 1% and 0.5% concentrations and the BID and QD groups.

In the NRI analysis of the adolescent population, a similar pattern was seen to the observed cases (OC) analysis, with a strong vehicle BID response throughout treatment and relatively low proportions of subjects with treatment success in the 0.5% groups.

Eczema Area and Severity Index (EAST): One of the main secondary objectives of this study was to estimate the efficacy of Tapinarof cream using EASI. The main secondary endpoint was the proportion of subjects with EASI75 from Baseline to each study visit.

On average, the probability of achieving EASI75 at Week 12 was highest in the 1% active treatment groups (86.0% and 80.7% in the BID and QD groups, respectively), followed by the 0.5% active treatment groups (54.2% and 32.6% in the BID and QD groups, respectively). The probability of achieving EASI75 at Week 12 in the vehicle groups was 11.6% and 3.7% in the BID and QD groups, respectively. This trend was seen at all other visits starting at Week 1.

The difference in the probability of achieving EASI75 between active treatment groups and vehicle treatment groups was highest in the 1% groups (74.5% and 77.0% in the BID and QD groups, respectively). The difference in the probability of achieving EASI75 between 0.5% and vehicle groups was 42.6% and 28.9% in the BID and QD groups, respectively.

Generally, after Week 1 to the end of the treatment period, the main secondary endpoint analysis showed a higher proportion of subjects overall achieving >75% improvement in EASI (EASI75) from Baseline in the active treatment groups than in the vehicle groups. At Weeks 2 and 4 the 1% concentration groups showed a higher rate of responders than the 0.5% concentration groups, but at Weeks 8 and 12 the 0.5% BID group had similar proportions of subjects with improved EASI75 to the 1% groups.

The pattern of the proportion of adult subjects with >75% improvement in EASI from Baseline to each study visit was similar to the overall population, with a higher proportion in active treatment groups showing improvement than in vehicle groups from Week 2. The adolescent data did not show such clear trends, with a stronger response in the vehicle BID group and a weaker response in the 0.5% QD group compared with the overall population.

The proportion of subjects with EASI75 continued to increase in all treatment groups over time, except for the vehicle QD group between Weeks 1 and 2. The frequency of application of Tapinarof, QD or BID, had no effect on the main secondary endpoint.

Secondary endpoint analyses using EASI percent change and absolute change over time, maintenance of EASI75, and EASI50 revealed the following: A greater mean percent change reduction in EASI scores from Baseline to each study visit was observed in active treatment groups than in vehicle groups throughout the treatment period. The 1% concentration treatment groups showed a greater mean percentage change reduction than the 0.5% concentration groups in the earlier treatment phase up to Week 4. At Weeks 8 and 12 the improvements were similar in the active treatment groups. Similarly, the increasing mean percent change reduction in EASI scores from Baseline to each study visit was greater in active treatment groups than in vehicle groups for both the adult (all visits) and adolescent (up to Week 4) subjects. Generally, the 1% concentration treatment groups showed a slightly greater mean percentage change reduction than the 0.5% concentration groups, up to Week 8. The EASI evaluation showed a better efficacy at the earlier visits in the 1% QD group than in the 1% BID group in the adolescent subjects. The mean change reductions in EASI scores from Baseline continued to improve over time with a clear difference between active and vehicle groups overall. Both the frequency of application of Tapinarof, QD or BID, and the concentration, 1% or 0.5%, had no effect on this parameter. In the BID active treatment groups and the 1% QD group, there was an increased proportion of subjects who had a >75% improvement in EASI from Baseline to Week 12, with the best maintenance of response at 2 and 4 weeks post-treatment seen in the 0.5% BID group. The 3 groups also showed a more sustained improvement than the 0.5% (QD) concentration group in which similar proportions were seen to the vehicle groups. Specifically, 63% (15 of 24) of subjects in the 1% BID group, 57% of subjects (12 of 21) in the 1% QD group, and 82% (18 of 22) of subjects in the 0.5% BID group maintained response from Week 12 to Week 16. This secondary endpoint result indicates a certain durability of the effect of Tapinarof cream after the 12-week treatment period, and a sustained EASI treatment response. The EASI50 results were consistent with the EASI75 results, except for a stronger vehicle QD response at Week 12.

Ad-hoc Analysis: Eczema Area and Severity Index (EAST): The efficacy data were analyzed using an NRI method to adjust for the higher dropout rates in the vehicle group. With NRI a similar trend was seen for EASI75 to that in the OC analysis: After 1 week of treatment, there was a higher proportion of subjects with >75% improvement in EASI in the active treatment groups than in the vehicle groups. The 1% concentration treatment groups showed a higher rate of responders than the 0.5% concentration groups through to Week 4, but at Weeks 8 and 12 the 0.5% BID group had similar proportions with improved EASI75, using NRI. The adult population demonstrated a consistent trend to the overall population. For adolescent subjects, there was a similar proportion of subjects with EASI75 in the vehicle BID group as in the 1% BID, 1% QD and 0.5% BID groups. However, in the 0.5% QD group the proportion of subjects with EASI75 was lower, and similar to the proportion in the vehicle QD group. The proportion of subjects with EASI75 response continued to increase over time. The frequency of application of Tapinarof, QD or BID, had no effect on EASI75.

Body Surface Area (BSA): A secondary objective was to assess the mean change in % BSA affected from Baseline to each study visit. Overall, most subjects had a reduction in % BSA affected over the study period. An increase in the mean change reduction in % BSA affected from Baseline to each study visit was higher in active treatment groups than in the vehicle groups and the increase improved over time. The frequency of application of Tapinarof, QD or BID, had no effect on the mean change reduction in % BSA affected from Baseline to each study visit. A similar picture was seen in the adult population.

In the adolescent population, the 1% BID and 0.5% BID active treatment groups had greater mean change reductions at Weeks 8 and 12 than the active QD groups; the vehicle BID group had similar mean increases in the mean change reduction to the active QD treatment groups.

Total Severity Score (TSS): A secondary objective of the study was to severity of erythema, induration/papulation, lichenification, oozing/crusting, and scaling), and in the individual signs of TSS, in the individual signs of TSS, from Baseline to each study visit.

Overall, most subjects had a reduction in TSS over the study period. The mean change in TSS from Baseline to each study visit showed an improvement (ie, reduction) in all treatment groups, but the reduction tended to be larger from Week 2 up to the end of treatment in active treatment groups than in the vehicle groups. In the summaries by age of the mean change in TSS from Baseline to each study visit, this trend was not so marked: in the adult population the vehicle QD group had a similar mean reduction to some of the active treatment groups, and in the adolescent population this pattern was seen with the vehicle BID group.

Itch/Pruritus Severity: A secondary objective of the study was to assess the mean change in weekly itch/pruritus NRS item from Baseline to Week 12.

Overall, most subjects had a decrease in itch/pruritus symptoms over the study period. There was a clear difference in the mean change reduction in itch/pruritus from Baseline to each study visit up to Week 8 between active and vehicle groups; at Week 12, the difference was only apparent for the BID vehicle group; generally this improvement was maintained during the follow-up period. There was no evidence of a dose-related response among the active groups (frequency or concentration). There was also a clear difference between active and vehicle groups from Week 4 through Week 12 in the proportion of subjects who achieved a minimum 3-point improvement in itch/pruritus. These results were supported in the ad-hoc NRI summary. Generally, these differences were also seen in the data by age group, but the response patterns were not always as consistent.

Investigator Impression of Change: As part of the efficacy assessment, investigators' impression of change in AD symptom severity from Baseline to Week 12 were reported. Responses were rated by investigators as “very improved” or “moderately improved” in 80% to 83% of subjects in the 1% concentration groups and 79% to 88% in the 0.5% concentration groups. In the “very improved” category, a clear difference was observed between active treatment groups and vehicle groups.

Summaries by age showed that between 71% and 86% of adult subjects were rated by investigators as “very improved” or “moderately improved” in the active treatment groups compared with less than 70% in the vehicle groups. In the adolescent population, 90% or more were rated by investigators as “very improved” or “moderately improved” in the active treatment groups compared with just over 80% in the vehicle groups.

Subject-Reported Outcomes: One of the other objectives of this study was to describe the effect of Tapinarof cream on the subject-reported impression of severity item, global impression of change items, the expanded POEM, and Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary.

Subject Impressions: Subjects provided an overall impression of their severity of eczema as well as their impression of change in eczema symptoms and change in itch.

At Baseline, the majority of subjects in all groups rated their eczema symptoms as moderate or severe; the vehicle BID group had the highest proportion of subjects with severe eczema symptoms. At Week 12, a higher proportion of subjects in the active treatment groups (>80%) rated the severity of their eczema symptoms as “very improved” or “moderately improved” compared with subjects in the vehicle groups (<70%). Similarly, at Week 12 in the Tapinarof groups, 78% or more rated the severity of their itch as “very improved” or “moderately improved” compared with <65% of subjects in the vehicle groups.

Results were similar by age, except for the vehicle BID group, where better ratings were given by the adolescent subjects: 81% were “very improved” or “moderately improved” compared with 53% adult subjects for eczema and 64% versus 36%, respectively, for itch.

Expanded Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM): The expanded POEM included 7 items plus 3 additional questions to assess sleep quality. Mean Baseline scores were highest (>3 in all treatment groups; indicating 5 or more days per week) for question #1 (relating to itch) and question #7 (relating to dry or rough skin). For questions #1 to #7, there were mean change reductions (improvements) in all active and vehicle groups through Week 12, except for question #4 for the 1% BID group, with the largest mean change reductions generally found in the 0.5% concentration groups. However, this was not consistent for all questions and time points. Standard deviations were large for all treatment groups.

In the adult population, there were mean change reductions in all active and vehicle groups (except question #4) through Week 12 at nearly all visits, but there were no distinct trends across the treatment groups. For most questions and time points, results in the adolescent population were similar to those for the overall population. The mean Baseline scores and the mean change reductions were generally higher in the 0.5% treatment groups than in the other treatment groups in the adolescent population.

An additional 3 questions, not included in the original published instrument, were added to assess sleep quality. For question #8 (how many nights did you wake up at least once because of the eczema?), the mean change reductions were largest in the 0.5% concentration groups (−1.3 and −1.2). For questions #9 (how difficult was it for you to fall asleep because of the eczema?) and #10 (how difficult was it for you to fall back asleep after you had woken up because of the eczema?) the number of subjects finding it difficult or very difficult to fall (back) asleep were lower in all treatment groups at Week 12 compared with Baseline, except for 1 subject in the vehicle BID for question #10. There were mean change reductions (improvements) and fewer subjects having difficulty falling asleep and falling back asleep because of their eczema at Week 12, and in general the largest improvements were in the active treatment groups.

Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary Data: One of the other endpoints assessed was the change from Baseline to Week 12 in the weekly average Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary score of 11 disease-related symptoms as recorded in the subject diary.

The highest mean Baseline scores were seen for dry or rough skin (range: 6.2 to 6.9), red or discolored skin (range: 4.8 to 6.0), and flaky skin (range: 4.2 to 5.8). For all items there was a reduction in the mean score (ie, improvement) at Week 12 for all treatment groups. However, no clear differences were observed between the treatment groups, except the reduction was consistently smaller for the vehicle BID group for all items.

Sub-Group Efficacy Analysis: Japanese Population

Out of the 247 subjects randomized in this study, 46 subjects were Japanese. For more details on the demographic and subject baseline characteristics of this sub-group.

Investigator Global Assessment (IGA): In the Japanese population, the primary endpoint analysis, the proportion of subjects who had an IGA score of clear or almost clear (0 or 1) at Week 12 and a minimum 2-grade improvement in IGA score from Baseline to Week 12, showed a numerically higher proportion of subjects in the 1% QD group only. The lowest proportion of subjects with treatment success was in the 0.5% concentration groups, with intermediate responses in the 1% BID group and vehicle groups. With NRI, similar results were obtained, with a clearer separation of both the BID and QD 1% concentration groups from the 0.5% and vehicle groups in IGA treatment success. The highest responder rate was again seen in the 1% QD group. Due to the small number of subjects and large confidence intervals, data should be interpreted with caution.

The proportion of subjects with IGA treatment success in all active treatment and vehicle groups tended to increase over time up to Week 12, with a clear separation observed in the GSK2894512 1% QD treatment group. However, due to low subject numbers the trends were not consistent across treatment groups (eg, see vehicle QD).

Eczema Area and Severity Index (EAST): A secondary efficacy endpoint, the proportion of subjects with EASI75 from Baseline to each study visit, was consistently higher in the 1% BID and 0.5% BID groups than the vehicle groups in Japanese subjects. EASI showed a more rapid onset of action for active groups versus the vehicle groups; the first response in the vehicle groups was only at Week 4. The 1% QD group showed the most rapid onset of action and highest response rates at Week 1 to Week 4. Due to the small number of subjects and large confidence intervals, data should be interpreted with caution.

There was a trend for a greater mean percent change reduction in EASI scores from Baseline to each study visit in the active treatment groups than in the vehicle groups. The 1% concentration groups showed a greater mean percentage change reduction than the 0.5% concentration groups up to Week 8, inclusive, with the largest reductions in the 1% QD group.

Itch/Pruritus Severity: A secondary objective of the study was to assess the mean change in weekly itch/pruritus from Baseline to Week 12. In the Japanese population, there was separation between active and vehicle groups in the mean change reduction in itch/pruritus at Weeks 2 and 4, but not at other time points, although from Week 2 onwards the lowest mean reduction was consistently seen in the vehicle BID group. For the proportion of subjects who achieved a minimum 3-point improvement in itch/pruritus, there were no clear trends, but the most consistent best response, with approximately 70% of subjects with a response, was seen in the 1% QD group from Week 4 to Week 12. In the ad-hoc NRI, there was a clearer separation between active and vehicle groups and again the highest proportion of responders was seen in the 1% QD group.

Pharmacokinetics: Subjects with atopic dermatitis, BSA involvement >5% and <35%, excluding scalp, and Baseline IGA score of >3 at Baseline, participated in this study in which 2 concentrations of Tapinarof cream (0.5% and 1%) and a vehicle control were evaluated following application to all AD lesions (except on the scalp) once or twice daily for 12 weeks.

A total of 5 blood samples for PK analysis of Tapinarof were collected from each subject at the following clinic visits: Weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12. Subjects were advised to provide PK samples during each of the following 3 time windows: 1 to 3 hours post application, 3 to 6 hours post application, and 6 to 12 hours post application.

Of the 753 plasma samples obtained from subjects on active treatment, 348 plasma samples were quantifiable (lower limit of quantification [LLOQ]=0.04 ng/mL).

Overall, limited Tapinarof PK data are available in AD patients to date. Intensively sampled PK data are only available in AD patients (n=6) from Study 201851 Cohort 2 (1% cream BID); hence, the central tendency and variability in the PK of Tapinarof are not well defined. Given the PK data limitations, no definitive conclusions on Tapinarof PK from Study 203121 can be made at the current time and therefore the data should be interpreted with caution. Therefore, comparison of PK across relevant subpopulations (adults, adolescents, Japanese) is not included.

Plasma Concentration Outliers: Elevations in plasma concentrations (>0.84 ng/mL gender averaged NOAEL Cmax of minipig 28 day, formulation F, 3% [60 mg/kg/day]) were observed in 13 out of 247 (5%) subjects. For all subjects, outlier plasma concentrations were measured at a single time point and all other plasma concentrations sampled in the same patient were below the NOAEL. Among these subjects, there was no relationship between the occurrence of high plasma concentration and timing of AE(s). Reported AEs in these subjects were consistent with the system organ class, frequency, and severity of AEs reported across the Tapinarof Phase 2 studies. All 13 subjects (5 males, 8 females; aged between 12 and 65 years [3 in the adolescent population, 10 in the adult population]), were in the Tapinarof treatment groups. Elevations in plasma concentration were observed in subjects in each of the different treatment groups without evidence of a dose effect (2 subjects from the 0.5% QD group [2/13, 15%], 4 subjects from the 0.5% BID group [4/13, 31%], 2 subjects from the 1% QD group [2/13, 15%], and 5 subjects from the 1% BID group [5/13, 38%]. Nine out of the 13 (69%) subjects experienced AEs: arthralgia, rash, application site pain, local reaction, diarrhea, dizziness, impetigo, blood creatinine decreased, conjunctivitis, dermatitis atopic, superinfection, application site reaction, hyperbilirubinemia, nasopharyngitis, sycosis barbae, and folliculitis. AEs of application site pain and folliculitis were observed in more than 1 subject. Overall, the median time to onset (since Day 1) for these events was 41 days with a median duration of 9 days. The majority of the events were mild to moderate. Four subjects (4/13, 31%) had AEs (rash, local reaction, application site pain, application site reaction, folliculitis) which were considered treatment-related by the investigator. None of the subjects experienced an SAE. Despite a thorough investigation of relevant patient information at the study sites, no root cause was identified that could explain the elevated plasma concentrations. The elevated plasma concentrations of the aforementioned subjects are presumably spurious. Plasma concentrations will continue to be monitored in PK studies.

Subject 110406, a 14-year-old female in the Tapinarof 1% BID group experienced mild AEs of arthralgia on Day 1, rash on Day 23, and application site pain on Day 38, and local reaction on Day 68. A drug interruption (reason: study drug not tolerated) occurred between Day 29 to Day 48 and again from Day 65 to Day 78. PK samples were obtained from this subject at Weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 with concentration values at 0.233, 0.347, 4.9, 0.514, and no quantifiable level—below the limit of quantification (NQ) ng/mL, respectively. The investigator considered the events of rash, application site pain, and local reaction were related to study treatment and the event of arthralgia was unrelated to study treatment.

Subject 111301, a 12-year-old male in the Tapinarof 0.5% BID group experienced severe AEs of dermatitis atopic on Day 65, superinfection on Day 65, and application site reaction on Day 1 and Day 70. PK samples were obtained from this subject at Weeks 1, 2, and 4 with concentration values at 6.09, 0.438, and 0.649 ng/mL, respectively. The subject had withdrawn treatment on Day 64 and discontinued from the study on Day 69, due to investigator discretion. The Week 1 plasma concentration exceeded the NOAEL Cmax value; however, subsequent plasma samples at Weeks 2 and 4 were below the NOAEL. The investigator considered the events of application site reaction were related to study treatment and the events of dermatitis and superinfection were unrelated to study treatment.

No other subjects with plasma concentrations above the NOAEL had treatment interruptions or withdrew from the study. Plasma concentrations and AEs will continue to be monitored in subsequent studies.

The narratives described below are subjects with plasma concentrations above the NOAEL and experienced a systemic AE.

Subject 110604, a 21-year-old female in the Tapinarof 1% BID group experienced moderate AEs of diarrhea and dizziness on Day 14, and impetigo on Day 15. PK samples were obtained from this subject at Weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 with concentration values at 1.48, 0.266, 0.430, 0.0716, and 0.311 ng/mL, respectively. The investigator considered the events were unrelated to study treatment.

Subject 316651, a 27-year-old male in the Tapinarof 1% BID group experienced a mild AE of blood creatinine decrease on Day 87. PK samples were obtained from this subject at Weeks 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 with concentration values at NQ, 181.0, NQ, NQ and NQ ng/mL, respectively. The investigator considered the event was unrelated to study treatment.

Subject 316851, a 20-year-old male in the Tapinarof 0.5% BID group experienced a mild AE of hyperbilirubinemia on Day 102. PK samples were obtained from this subject at Weeks 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 with concentration values at 0.362, 0.106, NQ, 1.93, and NQ ng/mL, respectively. The investigator considered the event was unrelated to study treatment.

SAFETY RESULTS

Safety results are reported using the Safety Population. Unless mentioned otherwise, results reported in this section are those of the overall population.

Adverse Events: Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in 127 subjects (51%) (the Safety Population comprised 247 subjects). The frequency of TEAEs was higher in the active treatment groups than in the vehicle groups (93 subjects [56%] vs 34 subjects [41%]).

Overall, TEAEs were considered treatment-related in 32/247 subjects (13%). There was a higher proportion of subjects in the active treatment groups than in the vehicle groups with treatment-related TEAEs (24/165 [15%] vs 8/82 [10%]). Thirteen of 247 (5%) subjects permanently discontinued treatment due to TEAEs (7/165 [4%] in the active treatment groups vs 6/82 [7%] in the vehicle groups). One (<1%) subject experienced serious TEAEs (reported from the active treatment group). Most TEAEs were reported as mild (53/165 [32%] in the active treatment groups vs 19/82 [23%] in the vehicle groups) or moderate (36/165 [22%] in the active treatment groups vs 12/82 [15%] in the vehicle groups). Seven (3%) subjects overall experienced severe TEAEs (4/165 [2%] in the active treatment groups vs 3/82 [4%] in the vehicle groups). No treatment-related serious or fatal TEAEs were reported.

In the adult subjects, TEAEs were considered treatment-related in 22/174 subjects (13%); most of these subjects were in the active treatment groups compared with vehicle groups (16/116 [14%] vs 6/58 [10%]). Nine of 174 (5%) subjects permanently discontinued treatment due to TEAEs (4/116 [3%] in the active treatment groups vs 5/58 [9%] in the vehicle groups). No subject experienced serious TEAEs. Most TEAEs were reported as mild (33/116 [28%] in the active treatment groups vs 13/58 [22%] in the vehicle groups) or moderate (29/116 [25%] in the active treatment groups vs 9/58 [16%] in the vehicle groups). Five (3%) subjects in the 18 to 65 years age group experienced severe TEAEs (3/116 [3%] in the active treatment groups vs 2/58 [3%] in the vehicle groups). No treatment-related serious or fatal TEAEs were reported.

In the adolescent subjects, TEAEs were considered treatment-related in 10/73 subjects (14%); most of these subjects were in the active treatment groups compared with vehicle groups (8/49 [16%] vs 2/24 [8%]). Four of 73 (5%) subjects permanently discontinued treatment due to TEAEs (3/49 [6%] in the active treatment groups vs 1/24 [4%] in the vehicle groups). One (1%) subject experienced serious TEAEs (reported from the active treatment group). Most TEAEs were reported as mild (20/49 [41%] in the active treatment groups vs 6/24 [25%] in the vehicle groups) or moderate (7/49 [14%] in the active treatment groups vs 3/24 [13%] in the vehicle groups). Two (3%) subjects in the 12 to 17 years age group experienced severe TEAEs (1/49 [2%] in the active treatment groups vs 1/24 [4%] in the vehicle groups). No treatment-related serious or fatal TEAEs were reported.

In Japanese subjects, TEAEs were considered treatment-related in 5/46 subjects (11%); all of these subjects were in the active treatment groups (5/30 [17%]). One of 46 (2%) subjects permanently discontinued treatment due to TEAEs (1/30 [3%] in the active treatment groups). No subject experienced serious TEAEs. Most TEAEs were reported as mild (15/30 [50%] in the active treatment groups vs 5/16 [31%] in the vehicle groups) or moderate (3/30 [10%] in the active treatment groups vs 2/16 [13%] in the vehicle groups). No Japanese subjects experienced severe TEAEs and no treatment-related serious or fatal TEAEs were reported.

The most frequently reported TEAE was nasopharyngitis, which occurred in 20/247 subjects (8%) (13/165 [8%] in the active groups vs 7/82 [9%] in the vehicle groups). Other TEAEs reported in >5% of subjects in any arm or in total were: folliculitis, reported in 18 subjects (7%) (18/165 [11%] in the active groups vs 0 in the vehicle group), atopic dermatitis in 15 subjects (6%) (6/165, [4%] in the active groups vs 9/82 [11%] in the vehicle groups), upper respiratory tract infection, reported in 15 subjects (6%) (11/165 [7%] in the active groups vs 4/82 [5%] in the vehicle groups), headache, reported in 11 subjects (4%) (9/165 [5%] in the active groups vs 2/82 [2%] in the vehicle groups), acne, reported in 7 subjects (3%) (6/165 [4%] in the active groups vs 1/82 [1%] in the vehicle groups), and impetigo, reported in 4 subjects (2%) (1/165 [1%] in the active groups vs 3/82 [4%] in the vehicle groups). The TEAEs of atopic dermatitis were reported as AD flare, worsening of AD, aggravation of AD, or increased itching of AD.

In Japanese subjects, nasopharyngitis and folliculitis were also the most frequently reported TEAEs.

Overall, 32 subjects (13%) had TEAEs which were considered treatment-related by the investigators. The frequency was higher in the active treatment groups compared to the vehicle groups (24/165 [15%] in the active treatment groups vs 8/82 [10%] in the vehicle groups). Folliculitis was the most frequent TEAE which was considered treatment-related by the investigators; it was reported in 9 subjects (4%), (9/165 [5%] in the active treatment groups vs 0% in the vehicle groups). Of these, all subjects with TEAEs which were considered treatment-related by the investigator were similarly distributed across the Tapinarof treatment groups, concentration 0.5% or 1% and frequency (BID or QD). Application site pain, was the next most frequent TEAE which was considered treatment-related by the investigators; it was reported in 5 subjects (2%), (2/165 [1%] in the active treatment groups vs 3/82 [4%] in the vehicle groups). Of these, 1 subject was in the Tapinarof 1% group and 1 subject in the 0.5% group, both on a frequency of BID. In the vehicle arm, 2 subjects were on a frequency of BID and 1 subject was on QD.

The following TEAEs which were considered treatment-related by the investigators were each reported in 3 subjects (1%) or less: eczema impetiginous, herpes simplex, upper respiratory tract infection, atopic dermatitis, acne, contact dermatitis, dermal cyst, dry skin, hyperkeratosis follicularis et parafollicularis, pain of skin, rash, application site reaction, application site erythema, application site edema, application site pruritus, local reaction, headache, burning sensation, hypoesthesia, diarrhea, nausea, increased hepatic enzyme, and decreased monocyte count.

In the adult and adolescent populations, the following treatment-related TEAEs were reported in both populations: application site pain, application site reaction, acne, atopic dermatitis, folliculitis, and headache. The incidence of these events was similar in the 2 populations, except for application site pain which was more frequently reported in adolescent subjects (5% overall) than in adult subjects (1%).

In the Japanese population, TEAEs related to study treatment were reported in the active treatment groups but a dose-response relationship was not observed.

Overall, TEAEs led to permanent discontinuation of study treatment in 13 subjects (5%). The frequency was higher in the vehicle groups than the active treatment groups (6/82 [7%] in the vehicle groups vs 7/165 [4%] in the active treatment groups). Atopic dermatitis (reported as worsening or flare of AD—see source Listing 39) was the most frequent TEAE that led to study treatment discontinuation; it was reported in 8 subjects (3%), (4/165 [2%] in the active treatment groups vs 4/82 [5%] in the vehicle groups). Of these, all subjects with TEAEs that led to study treatment discontinuation in the active treatment arms were treated with the lower concentrations of cream; 3 subjects (7%) with Tapinarof cream 0.5% BID and 1 subject (2%) with Tapinarof cream 0.5% QD.

In Japan, TEAEs led to permanent discontinuation of study treatment in 1 subject (2%) in the Tapinarof 0.5% BID group. Subject 317102, a 57-year-old female experienced non-serious events of application site edema, burning sensation, and contact dermatitis. All the events started 30 days after the first dose and 1 day after the last dose.

The events occurred on the application site and were considered moderate in intensity. The study treatment was withdrawn and all events resolved 14 days after onset. The investigator considered all 3 events to be related to study treatment.

Serious and Other Significant Adverse Events

Deaths: No deaths were reported during the study.

Other Serious Adverse Events: Serious TEAEs were reported in 1 subject (<1%), who was in the Tapinarof treatment group. Brief summaries of these serious TEAEs are provided below.

Anxiety and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A 14-year-old male with a previous history of anxiety and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder was randomized to receive Tapinarof 1% BID. The subject was hospitalized due to anxiety and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder 55 days after the first application and 3 days after the last application. Study treatment was withdrawn and events resolved 10 days later. The investigator considered the events were unrelated to study treatment.

Other Significant Adverse Events: No other significant AEs were reported during the study. However, a summary of the details of the 5 most frequently reported AEs is provided below. The summaries by age showed similar results to those seen in the overall population.

Nasopharyngitis: A total of 20 out of 247 (8%) subjects (11 males, 9 females; aged between 13 and 49 years) experienced nasopharyngitis, 13 of whom (13/20, 65%) were from active treatment groups. The events were reported in 5 subjects from the GSK2894512 1% QD group (5/20, 25%), 4 from the 0.5% BID group (4/20, 20%), 3 from the 1% BID group (3/20, 15%), 1 from the 0.5% QD group (1/20, 5%), and 7 from the vehicle groups (7/20, 35%). The majority of the events were of mild intensity (18/20, 90%) and 2 (2/20, 10%) were considered moderate in intensity. No subjects had treatment withdrawn due to the event. All but 2 of the cases were considered recovered or resolved at the time of reporting. The median time to onset (since Day 1) was 43 days (32 days in the active treatment groups and 52 days in the vehicle groups). The median duration of the event was 8 days (9 days for the active treatment groups and 5 days for the vehicle groups). None of the events were considered related to study treatment by the investigators.

In the adult population, 12 subjects (12/174, 7%) experienced nasopharyngitis, 4 (33%) in the 1% QD group, 2 each (17%) in the 1% and 0.5% BID groups, and 4 (33%) in the vehicle groups. The median time to onset was 32 days in the active treatment groups with a median duration of 9 days. In the vehicle groups the median time to onset was 73.5 days and the median duration 4 days.

In the adolescent population, 8 subjects (8/73, 11%) experienced nasopharyngitis: 2 (25%) in the 0.5% BID group, 1 each (12.5%) in the 1% BID, 1% QD and 0.5% QD groups, and 3 (37.5%) in the vehicle groups. The median time to onset was 31 days in the active treatment groups and 51 days in the vehicle groups, with a median duration of 9 days in both cases.

Folliculitis: A total of 18 out of 247 (7%) subjects (8 males, 10 females; aged between 12 and 49 years), experienced folliculitis, all from the active treatment groups. Most of these events were reported from the Tapinarof 1% QD group (8/18, 44%). A majority of the events were mild (13/18, 72%) and the rest were considered moderate (5/18, 28%). No severe events were reported. No subject had treatment withdrawn due to the event. Most (10/18, 56%) of the events occurred at the study drug application site. The median start date (since Day 1) of folliculitis was Day 17. The majority of these events were ongoing/resolving (11 ongoing/resolving and 7 resolved) at the end of the study follow-up period. Therefore, the AE end dates are not provided in many subjects, indicating that the AE was not resolved at the end of the follow-up period in those subjects. Half (9/18, 50%) of the subjects had events of folliculitis considered related and the other half were considered not related to study treatment by the investigators.

In the adult population, 14 subjects (14/174, 8%) experienced folliculitis, all in the active treatment groups: 6 subjects (43%) in the 1% QD group, 3 (21%) each in the 1% BID and 0.5% QD groups, and 2 (14%) in the 0.5% BID. The median time to onset was 17 days.

In the adolescent population, 4 subjects (3/73, 5%) experienced folliculitis: 2 (50%) in the 1% QD group, 1 each (25%) in the 1% BID and 0.5% BID groups, and none in the vehicle groups. The median time to onset was 23.5 days.

Atopic Dermatitis: A total of 15 out of 247 (6%) subjects (10 males, 5 females; aged between 12 and 59 years) experienced a worsening or flare of atopic dermatitis, 6 of whom (6/15, 40%) were from active treatment groups. The events were reported in 9 subjects from the vehicle group (9/15, 60%), 2 from the Tapinarof 1% BID group (2/15, 13%), 3 from the 0.5% BID group (3/15, 20%), and 1 from the 0.5% QD group (1/15, 7%). A majority of the events were of moderate intensity (9/15, 60%), 2/15 (13%) were considered mild, and 4/15 (27%) were considered severe. Eight subjects (8/15, 53%) had treatment withdrawn and 3 subjects (3/15, 20%) had treatment interrupted due to the event. Six subjects (6/15, 40%) had ongoing events at the time of reporting and the rest were resolving/resolved. Seven subjects (7/15, 47%) had events which occurred at the study drug application site. The median time to onset (since Day 1) was 21 days (40.5 days in the active treatment groups and 12 days in the vehicle groups). The median duration of the event was 8.5 days (12.5 days for the active treatment groups and 8 days for the vehicle groups). Three subjects (3/15, 20%) had events which were considered related to study treatment by the investigators.

In the adult population, 12 subjects (12/174, 7%) experienced atopic dermatitis, 2 (17%) in the 1% BID group, 1 each (8%) in the 0.5% BID and QD groups, and 4 each (33%) in the vehicle BID and QD groups. The median time to onset was 40.5 days in the active treatment groups with a median duration of 22.5 days. In the vehicle groups the median time to onset was 9 days and the median duration 8 days.

In the adolescent population, 3 subjects (3/73, 4%) experienced atopic dermatitis: 2 (67%) in the 0.5% BID group and 1 (33%) in the vehicle QD group. The median time to onset was 34 days in the active treatment group with a median duration of 6.5 days, the event in the vehicle group started 68 days after Day 1 and lasted 17 days.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: A total of 15 out of 247 (6%) subjects (10 males, 5 females; aged between 14 and 59 years) experienced upper respiratory tract infection, 11 of whom (11/15, 73%) were from active treatment groups. The events were reported in 4 subjects from the Tapinarof 1% BID group (4/15, 27%), 2 from the 1% QD group (2/15, 13%), 3 from the 0.5% BID group (3/15, 20%), and 2 from the 0.5% QD group (2/15, 13%). The majority of the events were of mild intensity (10/15, 67%) and the rest (5/15, 33%) were considered moderate. No subjects had treatment withdrawn due to the event. Two events were ongoing and the rest were considered resolved at the time of reporting. The median time to onset (since Day 1) was 32.5 days (32.5 days in the active treatment groups and 29.5 days in the vehicle groups). The median duration of the event was 11.5 days (16.5 days for the active treatment groups and 10.5 days for the vehicle groups). Only 1 of these events was considered related to study treatment by the investigator.

In the adult population, 13 subjects (13/174, 7%) experienced upper respiratory tract infection, 4 (31%) in the 1% BID group, 3 (23%) in the 0.5% BID group, 2 (15%) in the 1% QD group, 1 (8%) in the 0.5% QD group, and 3 (23%) in the vehicle groups. The median time to onset was 38 days in the active treatment groups with a median duration of 22 days. In the vehicle groups the median time to onset was 9 days and the median duration 9 days.

In the adolescent population, 2 subjects (2/73, 3%) experienced upper respiratory tract infection, 1 (50%) in the 0.5% QD group and 1 (50%) in the vehicle BID group. The time to onset was 8 days in the active treatment group with a duration of 6 days, the event in the vehicle group started 50 days after Day 1 and lasted 12 days.

Headache: A total of 11 out of 247 (4%) subjects (6 males, 5 females; aged between 14 and 41 years) experienced headache, 9/11 (82%) from active treatment groups and 2/11 (18%) from vehicle groups. The most events of headache were reported in subjects in the Tapinarof 1% BID group (4/11 [36%]). The majority of subjects had events (8/11, 73%) that were of mild intensity and the rest (3/11, 27%) were considered moderate in intensity. One subject (1/11, 9%) had treatment withdrawn due to the event. All, except 1 event, were considered resolved at the time of reporting. The median time to onset (since Day 1) was 3 days (2 days in the active treatment groups and 52 days in the vehicle groups). The median duration of the event was 1.5 days (2 days for the active treatment groups and 1 day for the vehicle groups). Three of the events were considered related to study treatment by the investigators.

In the adult population, 9 subjects (9/174, 5%) experienced headache: 3 (33%) in the 1% BID group, 2 (22%) subjects in the 0.5% QD group, and 1 each (11%) in the 1% QD and the 0.5% BID groups, and 2 (22%) in the vehicle QD group. The median time to onset was 3 days in the active treatment groups with a median duration of 2 days. In the vehicle group the median time to onset was 52 days and the median duration 1 day.

In the adolescent population, 2 subjects (2/73, 2%) experienced headache: 1 each (50%) in the 1% BID and 0.5% QD groups, and none in the vehicle groups. The median time to onset was 1 day in the active treatment groups with a median duration of 2 days.

Clinical Laboratory Evaluations: Elevations in liver chemistries (ALT/aspartate aminotransferase [AST]>2×ULN) were seen in 6 subjects, all in Tapinarof treatment groups. The elevations did not trigger protocol-mandated liver stopping criteria, the subjects all continued treatment, and all elevations resolved. Plasma concentrations for these subjects were reviewed to determine if any relationship with systemic exposure and/or timing of liver chemistry elevations existed; no relationships were observed.

Seven subjects had laboratory-related AEs which are presented below:

Subject 317101, a 12-year-old male, in the Tapinarof 0.5% BID group had a mild non-serious AE of decreased monocyte count (0.07 G/L). The event started 97 days after the first application and 15 days after the last application, during the follow-up period. The event of decreased monocyte count was ongoing at the time of reporting. The investigator considered the event was related to study treatment.

Subject 316651, a 27-year-old male, in the Tapinarof 1% BID group had a mild non-serious AE of blood creatinine decreased (63.6 μmol/L). The event started 87 days after the first application and 3 days after the most recent application. The study drug dose was not changed and the event resolved 15 days after onset (value of 70.7 μmol/L). The investigator considered the event was unrelated to study treatment.

Subject 316652, a 22-year-old male, in the vehicle BID group had a mild non-serious AE of blood creatinine decreased (61.9 μmol/L). The event started 29 days after the first application and 2 days after the most recent application. The study drug dose was not changed and the event resolved 75 days after onset (value of 69 μmol/L). The investigator considered the event was unrelated to study treatment.

Subject 316851, a 20-year-old male, in the Tapinarof 0.5% BID group had a mild non-serious AE of hyperbilirubinemia (42 μmol/L). The event started 102 days after the first application and 18 days after the last application. The event was ongoing at the time of reporting. The investigator considered the event was unrelated to study treatment.

Subject 110360, a 19-year-old female, in the Tapinarof 1% BID group had a moderate non-serious AE of alanine aminotransferase increased (183 IU/L). Her AST value was also >6×ULN (590 IU/L) at the time of the event. The event started 58 days after the first application. The study drug dose was not changed and the event resolved 11 days after onset (ALT 18 IU/L and AST 23 IU/L). The investigator considered the event was unrelated to study treatment.

Subject 110202, a 41-year-old female, in the Tapinarof 0.5% QD group had a mild non-serious AE of transaminases increased (ALT 91 IU/L, AST 44 IU/L). The event started 15 days after the first application and 1 day after the most recent application. The study drug dose was not changed and the event resolved 14 days after onset (ALT 16 IU/L, AST 15 IU/L). The investigator considered the event was unrelated to study treatment.

Subject 111103, a 19-year-old male, in the Tapinarof 0.5% BID group had a mild non-serious AE of increased hepatic enzyme (ALT 89 IU/L, AST 75 IU/L). The event started 16 days after the first application and 1 day after the most recent application. The study drug dose was not changed due to this event and the event resolved 28 days after onset (ALT 17 IU/L, AST 30 IU/L). The investigator considered the event was related to study treatment.

Other Safety Evaluations: Overall, there were no clinically significant changes in vital signs during the study. Overall, 10 subjects (4%) had systolic blood pressure readings, 6 subjects (2%) had diastolic blood pressure readings, and 3 subjects (1%) had pulse rates which were of potential clinical importance, but no corresponding related AEs were reported.

A total of 49 subjects (20%) had abnormal clinically significant ECGs at any post-screening visit during the study. Of these, more subjects were in the 1% treatment groups (12 subjects [30%] were in the Tapinarof 1% BID group and 10 subjects [24%] in the Tapinarof 1% QD), compared to 5 subjects (12%) in the Tapinarof 0.5% BID group and 8 subjects (21%) in the Tapinarof 0.5% QD group. However, the incidences in the vehicle groups were also similar to the active groups (5 subjects [12%] in the vehicle BID group and 9 subjects [23%] in the vehicle QD group).

Tolerability Evaluations by Subjects and Investigators: One of the secondary objectives of the study was to describe the tolerability of Tapinarof cream as assessed by the investigator and subject measuring local (application site) tolerability scores over time as a secondary endpoint.

No difference in subject-reported tolerability scores was apparent between the 2 Tapinarof cream concentrations (0.5% and 1%) or between the 2 frequencies of application (QD or BID) tested. Tolerability scores improved during the course of the study. The proportion of subjects with the best tolerability score (score 0 or “none”) increased from Week 1 to Week 12 across all study treatment groups.

In total, investigators assessed most subjects (>70%) as having the lowest irritation score (0 or “no irritation”) from Week 1 onwards. By treatment group, the lowest proportion of subjects with “no irritation” tended to be seen in the 1% BID group and the vehicle QD group.

Pregnancies: No pregnancies were reported during the study.

Immunoglobulins and Immunophenotyping: No clinically-significant changes were observed for either the adult or the adolescent populations in immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM) across all treatment groups receiving either Tapinarof or vehicle and regardless of dosing frequency.

No clinically-significant changes were observed for either the adult or the adolescent populations in immunophenotyping across all treatment groups receiving either Tapinarof or vehicle regardless of dosing frequency.

HEALTH OUTCOMES

One of the objectives of this study was to describe the effect of Tapinarof cream on subject-reported outcomes, for which subjects completed a Subject Impression of Severity and Change questionnaire, the expanded POEM, and the Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary (including the NRS itch/pruritus item).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Discussion

The objective of this randomized, double-blind, vehicle controlled Phase II study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two doses of Tapinarof/GSK4985212 cream (0.5% or 1%) applied either QD or BID in adolescent and adult subjects with AD over a 12-week treatment period. The characterization of population PK of Tapinarof cream after topical application was also an objective of the study.

Study population: The population enrolled in this study was consistent with a moderate to severe AD patient population. Specifically, subjects had a mean Baseline IGA score of 3.1 and 3.0 in the overall and the Japanese populations, respectively. Demographic and Baseline characteristics were generally similar across treatment groups. Withdrawal rates were higher in the 2 vehicle groups (>30%) than the 4 active treatment groups (12% to 28%).

Efficacy Discussion

Overall: Treatment success rates at Week 12 were: 53% [1% BID]; 46% [1% QD]; 37% [0.5% BID]; 59 34% [0.5% QD]; 24% [vehicle BID]; 28% [vehicle QD]. The rate (53%) of 1% BID was statistically significantly higher than (24%) vehicle BID. Treatment success was maintained for 4 weeks after end of tapinarof treatment. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE) were higher with tapinarof (93/165; 56%) vs. vehicle (34/82; 41%) and mild-to-moderate in intensity.

The primary analysis showed a separation between 3 of the active treatment groups (1% BID, 1% QD, and 0.5% BID) and the vehicle groups with regards to the primary endpoint (proportion of subjects who achieved an IGA score of 0 or 1 at Week 12 and a minimum 2-grade improvement in IGA score from Baseline to Week 12). FIG. 1 demonstrates Tapinarof 1% showed statistical significance over vehicle after 4 weeks of treatment at multiple time points. Generally, an increase in IGA treatment success could be seen in all groups by Week 2, with separation of active from vehicle at Week 4. The proportion of subjects with IGA treatment success then tended to increase in magnitude up to Week 12, with the 1% concentration groups having a higher proportion of responders at each time point compared to the 0.5% concentration groups. The only exception to this was in the QD active groups, where the proportion improved to Week 8 and then decreased slightly at Week 12. After the end of treatment the proportion of subjects with IGA treatment success started to decrease again in all groups.

The secondary endpoint of the proportion of subjects with EASI75 from Baseline to each study visit was higher in all 4 active treatment groups than in the vehicle groups from Week 2, with the clearest difference seen with the same 3 active treatment groups (1% BID, 1% QD, and 0.5% BID) as was seen for the primary endpoint. The maintenance of response in the 4 weeks after the end of treatment was also improved in the BID groups compared with vehicle.

Mean percent change reduction in EASI scores from Baseline to each study visit was higher in active treatment groups than in vehicle groups throughout the treatment period. Similar improvement over time was observed for the mean percent change reduction in EASI scores for both 1% concentration groups (BID and QD), leading to the conclusion that the QD application had similar efficacy level to BID and would provide lower exposure than BID; therefore, it should be chosen for future Phase III studies. Also, the QD application offers an ease of use advantage that could lead to future subject treatment adherence.

FIG. 2 provides photographs which demonstrate improvement in IGA and EASI at Weeks 8 and 12. FIG. 3 provides a graphical depiction of the proportion of patients with greater than or equal to 75% improvement in EASI (EASI75) from baseline (EASI75) at each study visit using non-responder imputation.

The frequency of application of Tapinarof, QD or BID, had no clear effect on the primary or main secondary endpoints.

Generally the adult population demonstrated a pattern consistent to that of the overall population with regard to efficacy endpoints: the primary endpoint analysis showed a higher proportion of subjects responded in the active treatment groups than the vehicle groups. For EASI75 and mean reduction in % BSA the response patterns were also consistent. In the adolescent population, patterns differed somewhat, with stronger responses seen in the vehicle BID group compared with the other populations across the efficacy endpoints, but due to the smaller sample size of this population, the data should be interpreted with caution.

To adjust for the higher dropout rates in the vehicle group, the efficacy data were reanalyzed after unblinding using NRI method. Overall, with this method, the aforementioned efficacy results were unaltered, confirming the robustness of the data. In addition, the efficacy results showed a clear separation between each of the doses of the active treatment and the vehicle groups with each the active groups showing a higher response rate than the vehicle groups at Week 12.

Results from other clinical evaluations assessed from Baseline to each study visit such as mean change reduction in % BSA affected and TSS, and reduction in itch/pruritus symptoms were also supportive of the therapeutic effect of Tapinarof cream, as compared to vehicle. FIG. 4 graphically depicts the patients who achieved a minimum 3-point improvement in weekly average of Itch/Pruritus NRS from baseline at each study visit—non-responder imputation (ITT Population). However, data from the POEM and the Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary did not follow this pattern: there were no consistent differences observed between active treatment groups and vehicle groups, although the mean reductions (improvements) were consistently smaller for the vehicle BID group compared with the other treatment groups for the Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary. Also, for the assessment of sleep quality in the expanded POEM, the largest improvements at Week 12 were generally in the active treatment groups.

Subjects' impressions of the severity of their eczema symptoms from Baseline to Week 12, as well as investigators' assessments, corresponded with the clinical evaluations. Most subjects rated the change in the severity of their eczema symptoms, as well as the change in the severity of their itch, as “very improved” or “moderately improved” by the end of 12 weeks of treatment with Tapinarof cream.

Subject impressions: At baseline, 86% of subjects rated their AD symptoms as moderate or severe across all treatment groups: 28-60% rated as moderate and 28-53% rated as severe. At Week 12, 64% (1% BID), 59% (1% QD), 47% (0.5% BID) and 40% (0.5% QD) of subjects in the tapinarof cream groups reported the severity of their AD symptoms as ‘very improved’ vs 21% (BID) and 28% (QD) in the vehicle groups (FIG. 5a ). At Week 12, the majority of subjects treated with tapinarof cream (78-87% in the 1% groups and 80-81% in the 0.5% groups) rated the severity of their pruritus symptoms as ‘very improved’ or ‘moderately improved’ compared with the vehicle groups (47-64%) (FIG. 5b ).

Expanded POEM: At Week 12, improvements were observed in all tapinarof cream and vehicle treated groups on all seven POEM items, except for the question relating to weeping or oozing for the 1% BID group. The three additional items in the expanded POEM showed overall sleep quality improved across all treatment groups, with the largest improvements in the tapinarof cream groups. For item 8 related to how many nights did subjects wake up at least once because of AD, the mean change reductions were largest in the tapinarof cream 0.5% groups (BID: −1.3 and QD: −1.2). For items 9 and 10 related to how difficult it was it for subjects to fall asleep or fall back asleep after waking because of AD, the number of subjects finding it difficult or very difficult to fall (back) asleep were lower in all treatment groups at Week 12 compared with baseline, except for one subject in the vehicle BID group for item 10.

Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary: The highest mean baseline scores were seen for dry or rough, red or discolored, and flaky skin. Overall there was an improvement in dry or rough, red or discolored, and flaky skin in all treatment groups as measured by the Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary scores, with the improvement being consistently smaller for the vehicle BID group vs the active tapinarof treatment groups for all items.

In the Japanese population, subject numbers were low, and there was a strong response in the vehicle BID group, so trends were not so clear.

Limited Tapinarof PK data are available in AD patients to date. Intensively sampled PK data are available in AD patients (n=6) from Study 201851; hence, the central tendency and variability in the PK of Tapinarof are not well defined. Given the PK data limitations, no definitive conclusions on the plasma PK of Tapinarof from Study 203121 can be made at the current time and therefore the data should be interpreted with caution. Therefore, comparison of PK across relevant subpopulations (adults, adolescents, Japanese) is not included.

Safety Discussion

The frequency of TEAEs was higher in the active treatment groups than in the vehicle groups (56% and 41%, respectively) and more TEAEs were considered treatment related in the active treatment groups (15%) than in the vehicle groups (10%). Most TEAEs were mild or moderate, with 2% and 4% (in active treatment and vehicle groups, respectively) being reported as severe. The frequency of TEAEs leading to permanent discontinuation of study treatment was higher in the pooled vehicle groups than the pooled active treatment groups (7% vs 4%), with the most common AE leading to discontinuation being worsening or flare of atopic dermatitis, which was reported in the 0.5% treatment groups and vehicle groups only; this may indicate a lack of efficacy compared with the 1% treatment groups. One subject in the 1% BID active treatment group experienced SAEs of anxiety and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder that were considered unrelated to study treatment. No deaths and no other significant AEs were reported during the study.

The 1% QD treatment may have a slightly better safety profile than the 1% BID treatment, based on a lower frequency of TEAEs (54% versus 70%).

Overall, the most commonly reported TEAEs (>5% in any arm or in total, regardless of relationship to study treatment) were nasopharyngitis (8%), folliculitis (7%), atopic dermatitis (6%), upper respiratory tract infection (6%), headache (4%), acne (3%), and impetigo (2%). Comparing active with vehicle, the most commonly reported TEAEs (>5% in either pooled arm) were folliculitis (11% in the active groups versus 0% in the vehicle groups), nasopharyngitis (8% versus 9%), upper respiratory tract infection (7% versus 5%), headache (5% versus 2%), and atopic dermatitis (4% versus 11%). The most common treatment-related TEAEs (>5% in any arm) were folliculitis (5% and 0% in active treatment and vehicle groups, respectively) followed by application site pain (1% and 4%, respectively), and atopic dermatitis (1% and 2%, respectively). All other treatment-related TEAEs were reported in <1% of subjects overall: eczema impetiginous, herpes simplex, upper respiratory tract infection, atopic dermatitis, acne, contact dermatitis, dermal cyst, dry skin, hyperkeratosis follicularis et parafollicularis, pain of skin, rash, application site reaction, application site erythema, application site edema, application site pruritus, local reaction, headache, burning sensation, hypoesthesia, diarrhea, nausea, increased hepatic enzyme, and decreased monocyte count. No treatment-related TEAEs were assessed as serious.

The incidence and type of AEs in the adult and adolescent populations were consistent with that seen in the overall population: in all 3 populations the overall frequency of TEAEs was just over 50%, drug-related TEAEs were just under 15%, and TEAEs leading to permanent discontinuation of study treatment were 5%. In the adolescent population, compared with the adult population, there was a lower incidence of TEAEs of moderate intensity in the active treatment groups (14% in the adolescent population versus 25% in the adult population); the incidence in the vehicle groups was similar (13% and 16%, respectively).

The topical tolerability of Tapinarof cream, as judged by subjects as well as investigators, was very similar compared with vehicle and across concentration groups (0.5% and 1%) and with both frequencies of application (QD or BID). Tolerability improved from Week 1 to Week 12.

Elevations in liver chemistries (ALT/AST>2×ULN) were seen in 6 subjects, all in Tapinarof treatment groups. The elevations did not trigger protocol-mandated liver stopping criteria, the subjects all continued treatment, and all elevations resolved. No other clinically significant changes in laboratory values were reported.

Safety: Overall, 51% (127/247) of subjects had treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs): 56% in the tapinarof cream groups and 41% in the vehicle groups (Table 4), and were mostly mild to moderate in severity. The most frequently reported TEAE was nasopharyngitis, which occurred in 20 (8%) subjects (8% in the tapinarof cream groups and 9% in the vehicle groups).

TABLE 4 Safety overview and most common TEAEs occurring in ≥5% of subjects in any group Tapinarof 1% Tapinarof 0.5% Vehicle Preferred term, BID QD BID QD BID QD n (%) (n = 40) (n = 41) (n = 43) (n = 41) (n = 42) (n = 40) Any TEAE 28 (70) 22 (54) 20 (47) 23 (56) 19 (45) 15 (38) Treatment- 6 (15) 6 (15) 8 (19) 4 (10) 6 (14) 2 (5) related TEAEs Serious TEAEs 1 (3) 0 0 0 0 0 Discontinuous 1 (3) 0 5 (12) 1 (2) 4 (10) 2 (5) due to TEAEs TEAEs occurring in ≥5% of subjects in any group Nasopharyngitis 3 (8) 5 (12) 4 (9) 1 (2) 4 (10) 3 (8) Folliculitis 4 (10) 8 (20) 3 (7) 3 (7) 0 0 Dermatitis 2 (5) 0 3 (7) 1 (2) 4 (10) 5 (13) atopic URTI 4 (10) 2 (5) 3 (7) 2 (5) 3 (7) 1 (3) Headache 4 (10) 1 (2) 1 (2) 3 (7) 0 2 (5) Acne 2 (5) 0 1 (2) 3 (7) 1 (2) 0 Impetigo 1 (3) 0 0 0 0 3 (8)

Overall, Tapinarof cream showed an acceptable safety and tolerability profile.

Conclusions

The proportion of subjects who achieved an IGA score of clear or almost clear (0 or 1 ) at Week 12 and a minimum 2-grade improvement in IGA score from Baseline to Week 12 was higher in 3 of the active treatment groups (1% BID or 1% QD, or 0.5% BID) than in vehicle groups.

IGA treatment success in active treatment groups were observed from Week 1, separated from vehicle at Week 4, peaked at Week 8 or Week 12 and started to decrease after the end of treatment.

The frequency of application (BID or QD) had no clear effect on the IGA treatment success over time.

The proportion of subjects with EASI75 from Baseline to Week 12 was clearly higher in all active treatment groups than in vehicle groups.

In general, in the active groups, EASI75 appeared from Week 2, peaked at Week 12 and was durable, lasting up to 4 weeks after the end of treatment, particularly in the 0.5% BID group.

Mean percent change reduction in EASI scores from Baseline to each study visit was higher in all active treatment groups than in vehicle groups throughout the treatment period.

The frequency of application (QD or BID) had little effect on the mean percent change reduction in EASI scores, and indicates that the QD application has similar efficacy level to BID and would provide lower exposure than BID; therefore, it should be chosen for future Phase III studies. Also, the QD application offers an ease of use advantage that could lead to future subject treatment adherence.

Evaluation of mean change reduction in % BSA affected and TSS, and reduction in itch/pruritus symptoms were also supportive of the therapeutic effect of Tapinarof cream, as compared to vehicle.

Generally the adult population demonstrated a pattern consistent to that of the overall population with regard to the main efficacy endpoints. In the adolescent population, patterns differed somewhat, with stronger responses seen in the vehicle BID group across the efficacy endpoints, but the sample size was small.

Subject, as well as investigator, impressions of the severity of AD symptoms corresponded with clinical evaluations. Most subjects rated the change in the severity of their eczema symptoms as “very improved” or “moderately improved” by the end of treatment with Tapinarof cream (Week 12).

Given the limited available data, Tapinarof population PK was not characterized.

Tapinarof cream showed an acceptable safety profile. There were no treatment-related serious TEAEs reported. The most frequent treatment-related TEAEs (>5% in any arm) were folliculitis, followed by application site pain, and atopic dermatitis.

The incidence and type of AEs in the adult and adolescent populations were generally consistent with that seen in the overall population; there was a lower incidence of moderate AEs in the adolescent population than in the overall and adult populations.

Elevations in liver enzymes were seen in 6 subjects in the active treatment groups, however the elevations did not trigger protocol-mandated liver stopping criteria, the subjects continued treatment, and all elevations resolved. No other clinically significant changes in laboratory values were reported.

The topical tolerability of Tapinarof cream, as judged by subjects as well as investigators, was similar across concentration groups (0.5% and 1%) and with both frequencies of application (QD or BID). Tolerability improved from Week 1 to Week 12.

Based on the lower incidence of TEAEs, the 1% QD treatment may have a slightly better safety profile than the 1% BID treatment.

Additional Analysis

Primary endpoint—efficacy based on percentage of patients who achieved minimum two-point improvement in IGA score and assessment of “clear” or “almost clear” skin, referred to as “treatment success.”

Secondary endpoint—EASI score, BSAA score, itch improvement, change in total severity score, subject impressions of symptom severity and safety and tolerability.

Using a post-hoc analysis to account for missing data due to the high rate of dropout in the vehicle group, at week 12, 53% of patients treated with 1% BID (statistically significant compared to vehicle) and 46% treated with 1% QD met treatment success, compared with 24% and 28% for vehicle BID and QD, respectively. At week 12, 37% of patients treated with 0.5% BID and 34% treated with 0.5% QD met treatment success.

At week 12, 60% and 51% of patients achieved a 75% improvement in EASI score in 1% BID and 1% QD groups, respectively (statistically significant compared to vehicle). Statistical significance was achieved, and the endpoint was met, for all tapinarof groups compared to vehicle, with the exception of 0.5% QD.

At week 12, subjects treated with both 0.5% and 1% concentrations showed greater improvements in mean change in percentage BSA affected from baseline (as demonstrated by an absolute change in percent BSA affected of 11.2 for 1% BID and 11.6 for 1% QD, respectively, compared with 6.0 for BID vehicle and 5.4 for QD vehicle). While statistical significance was not evaluated for this endpoint, the endpoint was determined to be met.

At week 12, subjects treated with both 0.5% and 1% concentrations showed greater improvements in mean change in total severity score (reduction of 5.8 for 1% BID and 5.5 for 1% QD, compared with 4.6 for BID vehicle and 5.2 for QD vehicle). Statistical significance was not evaluated for this endpoint and we could not determine that the endpoint was met.

At week 12, subjects treated with both 0.5% and 1% concentrations showed greater improvements in subject impressions of symptom severity (64% for 1% BID and 59% for 1% QD categorized symptoms as very improved, compared with 21% for BID vehicle and 28% for QD vehicle). While statistical significance was not evaluated for this endpoint, the endpoint was determined to be met. In particular, at week 12, based on subject impressions of change in severity of pruritus, most patients treated with tapinarof 1% (78% BID and 86% QD) rated their itch to be “moderately improved” to “very improved” compared to patients treated with vehicle (46% BID and 64% QD). While statistical significance was not evaluated for this endpoint, the endpoint was determined to be met.

At week 12, 30% and 33% of patients treated with tapinarof 1% BID and 0.5% BID, respectively, achieved a minimum three-point improvement in itch numerical rating score, or NRS, compared to 5% treated with vehicle BID. Similarly, at week 12, 32% and 29% of patients treated with tapinarof 1% QD and 0.5% QD, respectively, achieved a minimum three-point improvement in itch NRS, compared to 15% treated with vehicle QD. While statistical significance was not evaluated for this endpoint, the endpoint was determined to be met.

Generally well tolerated at 0.5% and 1% concentrations, with majority of AEs and treatment emergent AEs reported as miled or moderate. 133 subjects experienced at least one AE (97 in treatment groups). 127 subjects experienced at least one treatment-emergent adverse event, or TEAE (93 in treatment groups). A TEAE is defined as an AE which occurred on or after the start date of sudy treatment and on or before the last visit.

32 subjects had TEAEs that were considered related to treatment (24 subjects in the treatment groups). The most common treatment-related TEAEs were folliculitis, application-site pain, and atopic dermatitis upper respiratory tract infection and headache. One subject reported a serious TEAE, which was not considered related to treatment. 13 subjects discontinued prior to end of treatment period due to TEAEs. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for treating mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in a subject comprising topically administering a topical composition containing about 1.0% tapinarof to affected areas of the subject once a day, wherein after topically administering the topical composition an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score is improved by 2 grades or has improved to a score of 0 or
 1. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the topical composition is an oil-in-water emulsion.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the oil phase of the oil-in-water emulsion is comprised of medium chain triglycerides, propylene glycol, non-ionic emulsifying wax, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, polyoxyl stearyl ether-2, polysorbate 80, polyoxyl stearyl ether-20, benzoic acid, and butylated hydroxytoluene.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the water phase of the oil-in-water emulsion is comprised of sodium citrate, edetate disodium, citric acid monohydrate, and water.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject is an adult or an adolescent.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the topically administering includes application to the affected area of the skin selected from the group consisting of body, arms, legs, back, chest, buttocks, neck, scalp, fingernails, toenails, and combination thereof.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject has been diagnosed with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis having a percent body surface area (BSA) affected of about 3% to about 20%.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject has been diagnosed with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis having an Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score of greater than or equal to
 3. 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising after topically administering the topical composition an improvement of one or more symptom of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis as measured according to an assessment selected from the group consisting of Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score, daily Itch/Pruritus numeric rating scale, Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), total severity score, percent body surface area (BSA) affected, sleep quality, dry/rough skin, red/discolored skin, flaky skin, visual analogue scale (VAS) for sleep, visual analogue scale (VAS) for itch, and patient reported outcomes.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the Itch/Pruritus numeric rating scale is improved by 3 points.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) is improved by greater than or equal to 50% or is improved by greater than or equal to 75%.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the percent body surface area (BSA) affected is decreased to less than 20%.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein the sleep quality is improved as measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS) for sleep.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the patient reported outcomes demonstrated that subject's impressions of symptom severity was improved, wherein the symptoms are selected from the group consisting of itchy skin, red/discolored skin, bleeding, weeping or oozing skin, cracked skin, scaly skin, flaky skin, dry or rough skin, painful skin, burning skin, and disturbed sleep.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein the one or more symptom is improved after about 2 weeks, about 4 weeks, or about 8 weeks of administering the topical composition.
 16. The method of claim 9, wherein the improvement of one or more symptom continues for about 4 weeks after administration of the topical composition has ceased.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the IGA score is improved after about 2 weeks, about 4 weeks, or about 8 weeks of administering the topical composition.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the improvement in IGA score continues for about 4 weeks after administration of the topical composition has ceased.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the topically administering a topical composition containing about 1.0% tapinarof results in systemic exposure of tapinarof that is below the limit of detection.
 20. The method of claim 1, further comprising after topically administering the topical composition an improvement of one or more symptom of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis as measured according to an assessment selected from the group consisting of daily Itch/Pruritus numeric rating scale (NRS), total severity score (TSS), dry/rough skin, red/discolored skin, flaky skin, visual analogue scale (VAS) for sleep, visual analogue scale (VAS) for itch, patient reported outcomes, and combinations thereof.
 21. The method of claim 1, further comprising after topically administering the topical composition an improvement of one or more subject-reported outcomes selected from the group consisting of Subject Impression of Severity and Change questionnaire, expanded Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), Daily Sign and Symptom Severity Diary, and combinations thereof. 